preliminary figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial estimate or approximation of a value before final data is available. Example: "The preliminary figure for the project's budget indicates a cost of $50,000, but this may change as we gather more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"That preliminary figure is bad," said a knowledgeable international observer.

The New York Times

In 2000, 30.6 million domestic visitors arrived; the preliminary figure for 2001 is about 26.3 million.

The New York Times - Arts

But the job losses in August were revised upward, to 10,400, from a preliminary figure of 8,200.

The New York Times

HSBC's preliminary figure for the month, released Jan . 24 had put the measure at 51.9.

The New York Times

Aides to Mr. Obama declined to release a preliminary figure ahead of the legal reporting deadline.

The New York Times

The bulk of the revision came from capital investment, which rose 0.3percentt from the previous quarter, better than the preliminary figure of a decrease of 0.9percentt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Jackson said preliminary figures suggested a saving of 20%to25%5%.

The Guardian

The earnings matched preliminary figures published on Aug. 21.

The New York Times

Preliminary figures for September suggest a greater increase again.

The New York Times

Preliminary figures indicate that during the volatile stock market of November, fund investors basically stayed put.

The New York Times

High preliminary figures were leaked to the press, printed and then retracted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "preliminary figure", always clarify that it is subject to revision as more data becomes available. This manages expectations and maintains transparency.

Common error

Avoid making critical decisions based solely on a "preliminary figure". Always seek confirmation with finalized data to ensure accuracy and avoid potential errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary figure" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies the noun "figure". This combination designates an initial or provisional value that is subject to later revision. Ludwig confirms its general usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary figure" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe an initial estimate or approximation that is subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently used in news, science, and business contexts to present early data while acknowledging its potential for revision. When using this phrase, it's best to clarify that the figure is not yet final and may be updated. Alternatives like "provisional estimate" or "initial projection" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid making critical decisions based solely on a "preliminary figure" without seeking confirmation from finalized data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisional estimate

Replaces both words with synonyms to indicate a tentative calculation.

initial projection

Focuses on the forecasting aspect of the figure.

early data

Highlights the temporal aspect of the information.

first approximation

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the figure.

tentative calculation

Highlights the uncertainty and potential revisions of the calculation.

rough estimate

Suggests an imprecise but quick calculation.

preliminary assessment

Shifts focus to the evaluative aspect of the figure.

initial findings

Implies that the figure is part of broader research or investigation.

projected number

Highlights the forecast and quantitative aspect of the figure.

undeveloped statistic

Focuses on the fact that the statistic has to be updated or completed.

FAQs

What does "preliminary figure" mean?

A "preliminary figure" is an initial or early estimate of a value that is likely to be revised or updated as more accurate data becomes available.

When is it appropriate to use the term "preliminary figure"?

Use "preliminary figure" when you are presenting an initial estimate and want to indicate that it is not yet the final or most accurate value. This is common in financial reports, scientific studies, and statistical analyses.

What are some alternatives to saying "preliminary figure"?

You can use alternatives such as "provisional estimate", "initial projection", or "early data" depending on the specific context.

How should I present a "preliminary figure" in a report?

Clearly state that the figure is preliminary and may be subject to change. Provide context about why the figure is preliminary (e.g., incomplete data, ongoing analysis) and when a final figure is expected.