numerically speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"numerically speaking" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, "Numerically speaking, the cost of housing in this region has grown exponentially in the past five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That's an inescapable truth, numerically speaking," he admits.

The Guardian - Sport

Numerically speaking, blogs pose no threat to "the media," however liberal or conservative.

The New York Times - Books

There were 267 plays on Broadway in 1927; so it doesn't take much to see that in the competition with other entertainments, numerically speaking, theatre has declined.

The New Yorker

The G20 might be, numerically speaking, two and a half times as democratic as the G8, and many hopes for a better world are resting on that fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

Numerically speaking, September 11th is much less daunting than most of the other cases Feinberg has been called upon to settle.

The New Yorker

As I pointed out the other day, numerically speaking, terrorism, especially homegrown terrorism, is a minor threat to public safety and public health.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Even things of the same kind are different numerically, and speaking and thinking clearly about things and their features requires our differentiating what is determinate about them.

SEP

An algorithm is, roughly speaking, numerically stable, if little deviations in the input values do not lead to big deviations in the result.

Wikipedia

The voluble, smartly dressed Mr. Graves, 76, wasn't speaking so much spatially or numerically — although there are even more works in the offices of Michael Graves & Associates and the Michael Graves Design Group nearby — as he was referring to a pursuit that has increasingly preoccupied him in recent years.

The New York Times - Arts

Generally speaking, one must determine this minimizer numerically with an iterative optimization procedure.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

However, the differences in the ORR of the two groups before surgery, although numerically different, were also not significantly different statistically speaking (77% in the EC-DT arm and 63% in the EC-DL arm; P=0.1208).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "numerically speaking", ensure the subsequent statement is actually supported by numerical evidence. Avoid using it loosely to introduce non-numerical arguments.

Common error

A common mistake is to start a sentence with "numerically speaking" and then provide a qualitative assessment or opinion not directly linked to concrete numbers. Ensure your statement following the phrase is genuinely grounded in numerical data and not a general observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "numerically speaking" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement being made is based on numerical considerations. Ludwig shows its use in framing an argument or perspective with numerical data as evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Numerically speaking" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a perspective or argument grounded in numerical data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and fairly common, finding frequent use in News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives like "in numerical terms" or "quantitatively speaking" exist, they each carry slightly different nuances. It is important to ensure that the statement following "numerically speaking" is genuinely supported by numerical evidence to avoid misapplication. Ludwig's examples highlight that this phrase is a reliable tool for framing quantitative analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in numerical terms

Replaces "speaking" with "terms", emphasizing the expression of data in a numerical form.

from a numerical perspective

Highlights that the viewpoint being presented is based on numerical considerations.

quantitatively speaking

Uses "quantitatively" as a synonym for "numerically", focusing on measurable quantities.

in terms of numbers

Simplifies the phrase to directly state that the focus is on numerical values.

statistically speaking

Shifts the focus to statistical data and analysis, rather than general numerical values.

based on the numbers

Emphasizes that the statement is directly derived from numerical data.

regarding the figures

Focuses specifically on numerical figures and their implications.

assessing the data

Highlights the evaluation of numerical data.

from a data analysis standpoint

Emphasizes a structured analytical approach to the data.

considering the metrics

Directs attention to specific measurable metrics.

FAQs

How can I use "numerically speaking" in a sentence?

"Numerically speaking" is used to introduce a statement or perspective that is based on numbers or quantitative data. For example, "Numerically speaking, sales have increased by 20% this quarter."

What phrases are similar to "numerically speaking"?

Alternatives to "numerically speaking" include "in numerical terms", "from a numerical perspective", or "quantitatively speaking". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "numerically speaking" a formal expression?

"Numerically speaking" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for analytical or informative writing where numerical data is relevant. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for various audiences.

What's the difference between "numerically speaking" and "statistically speaking"?

"Numerically speaking" refers to any argument based on numbers, while "statistically speaking" specifically refers to arguments based on statistical analysis and data. The latter implies a more rigorous or scientific approach.