notional figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notional figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to theoretical or estimated values rather than actual data. Example: "The budget report includes notional figures that represent projected expenses for the upcoming fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Andrew Adonis, transport minister in the last Labour government and architect of the plan, said the economic analyses were notional figures and distracted from "the real choice: open-heart surgery on the existing lines or a proper alternative".

The Guardian

Gone, too, are the characters Sancho Panza and Don Quixote and the notion of a quest that they embodied; the play's landscape, with its clearly defined division between rich and poor; and the narrative characterizations of the dramatis personae, who are so radically pruned of story as to have become notional figures evoking a generalized barbarity.

The New Yorker

Even if the auditors came up with some notional figures, they are likely to be so catastrophic that - just as happened with the Royal Bank of Scotland's biggest ever corporate losses announced last week - it would send more panic waves through the City.

The Guardian - Opinion

Measured as a share of Gross Domestic Product (which is how economists reckon it is best to compare countries of different sizes), the notional figures show Scotland has had some years of smaller deficits due to the strong oil revenue.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or some other notional figure.

The Guardian

They were only marginally ahead in the contest when it resumed with Durham requiring a further 106 runs to avoid the follow-on – a rather notional figure as it was never going to be enforced – and six wickets intact.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopkins said that although there would be no new funds for local welfare, ministers would outline a notional figure of £130m in the overall grant allocations to councils – a cut of £50m – although this would not be ring-fenced, meaning councils can spend it on other services.

The Guardian

In councils where there have been boundary changes - resulting in a different number of seats up for election this year - the BBC uses a notional figure to project what the previous result would have been.

BBC

But unlike an Agatha Christie story — but very much like, say, Reservoir Dogs — there is no notional authority figure to exert control over everyone.

The Guardian - Film

This notional £1 billion figure comes from a 10 year window for the fund.

TechCrunch

Needless to say, their wealth was calculated on the basis of notional post-money valuations, figures far in excess of what these companies could actually be sold at in the market right now.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "notional figures", clarify the basis of the estimation or calculation to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, specify if the figures are based on a particular model, assumption, or projection.

Common error

Avoid treating "notional figures" as definitive or concrete values. Always acknowledge their estimated or theoretical nature, particularly in financial or analytical contexts, to prevent misleading conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notional figures" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notional figures" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to estimated or theoretical values rather than actual data. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage is most common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify the basis for estimation to prevent misinterpretations. Related phrases include "estimated values" and "projected figures".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretical values

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the figures, based on theoretical models.

hypothetical figures

Similar to theoretical values, stressing that the figures are based on assumed conditions.

estimated values

Focuses on the approximation aspect, emphasizing that the figures are calculated estimates.

nominal values

Indicates figures that are stated but may not reflect the actual or real value.

assumed figures

Highlights that the figures are taken as true or certain to happen, often without proof.

projected figures

Highlights that the figures are forecasts, often used in planning and budgeting.

modelled figures

Focuses on the fact that the figures are the result of a modelling activity.

paper figures

Suggests that the figures exist only on paper and may not have practical significance.

ballpark figures

Indicates rough estimates or approximations, lacking precision.

speculative figures

Stresses that the figures are based on conjecture or guesswork, often involving risk.

FAQs

How can I use "notional figures" in a sentence?

You can use "notional figures" to refer to estimated or theoretical values, as in "The budget report includes "notional figures" for projected expenses".

What is the difference between "notional figures" and "actual figures"?

"Notional figures" are estimated or theoretical values, while "actual figures" represent real, measured data. "Notional figures" are often used for planning or projection purposes, while actual figures are used to report on past performance.

What are some alternatives to using "notional figures"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "estimated values", "projected figures", or "theoretical values".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "notional figures"?

It is appropriate to use "notional figures" in contexts where you are discussing hypothetical scenarios, projections, or estimations, particularly in finance, economics, and planning.