in terms of numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

"in terms of numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to speak about quantitative aspects of a situation or to provide a numerical comparison between two things. For example, "In terms of numbers, there were twice as many people at the event this year than last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was horrendous in terms of numbers.

The New York Times

Let me run you through this in terms of numbers.

Cornell University

And I'm sure we're underrepresented now in terms of numbers.

The New York Times - Health

"They're doing pretty well in terms of numbers".

The New York Times - Arts

In terms of numbers, the approach seems to be working.

The Guardian

In fact, in terms of numbers they are weak.

The Economist

Peloponnesian League certainly didn't have anything like that in terms of numbers of states.

Yale University

You can like making deals and things like that not thinking in terms of numbers.

Yale University

"We are thin in terms of numbers of available experts, resources and staff".

The New York Times - Health

Western concepts of volunteerism may look at success in terms of numbers.

The New York Times

"In terms of numbers, we are talking about a crisis of major proportions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in terms of numbers" to provide a clear and specific focus on the numerical or quantitative aspects of a situation or comparison. For example, "The company has grown significantly in terms of numbers of employees since last year."

Common error

Avoid using "in terms of numbers" when the discussion primarily revolves around qualitative aspects, such as quality, impact, or subjective experiences. Instead, use phrases that emphasize the qualitative nature of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in terms of numbers" functions as a prepositional phrase used adverbially to specify the criteria or perspective from which something is being evaluated or compared. It indicates that the focus is on quantitative data, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

This analysis, powered by Ludwig, confirms that "in terms of numbers" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for emphasizing quantitative perspectives. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, it serves to clarify that an evaluation is primarily based on numerical data. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility, while the provided writing guidance and FAQs aim to refine usage and prevent common errors. In conclusion, "in terms of numbers" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey precise, numerically-driven assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in numerical terms

A more direct synonym, maintaining the core meaning with a slight variation in word order.

from a numerical standpoint

This highlights that the evaluation is performed from a point of view based on numbers and numerical value.

quantitatively speaking

This alternative focuses on the quantitative aspect, directly highlighting that the assessment is based on numerical values.

numerically speaking

Similar to "quantitatively speaking", this emphasizes the numerical aspect of the assessment.

considering the figures

This option highlights that the assessment is based on particular numerical values.

regarding the count

This alternative focuses on counting and numerical size.

by the numbers

This idiomatic expression implies a focus on easily quantifiable metrics and straightforward calculation.

in terms of volume

This emphasizes the amount or quantity of something being assessed.

assessing the statistics

This implies a more detailed and formal evaluation of numerical data.

when it comes to quantity

This alternative shifts the focus slightly to the aspect of quantity, providing a broader scope.

FAQs

How can I use "in terms of numbers" in a sentence?

Use "in terms of numbers" to specify that you are discussing the quantitative or numerical aspects of a topic. For example, "In terms of numbers, the project exceeded its initial goals."

What's a good alternative to "in terms of numbers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "quantitatively speaking", "numerically speaking", or "in numerical terms" to express the same idea.

Is it appropriate to use "in terms of numbers" in formal writing?

Yes, "in terms of numbers" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize a numerical perspective or comparison. It is widely accepted in academic, business, and news contexts.

What is the difference between "in terms of numbers" and "in terms of figures"?

While both phrases refer to numerical data, "in terms of numbers" is more general and can refer to any numerical aspect. "In terms of figures" specifically implies referring to statistical data or precise amounts.