representative figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "representative figures" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to people or objects that are representative of a larger, broader group. For example, "The mayor presented a handful of representative figures to show the progress made by the city in the last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In these representative figures, blue lines represent the spectrum for demand and red lines defines the capacity diagram for performance point calculation.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

More representative figures exist for coarser particles, known as PM10.

The Economist

The representative figures in the opposing school are Harold E. Stassen, Sen Hubert Humphrey & Allen Dulles.

The New Yorker

The hotel becomes a genteel antechamber to oblivion, its spectral inhabitants representative figures from postwar English life.

The Guardian - Books

The representative figures in the Secretary of State's school are Dean Acheson, Harry S. Truman & Sen. Wm.

The New Yorker

To move his story forwards, Rachman offers 11 representative figures, whose personal lives are intimately connected to the paper's slow decline.

The Guardian - Books

But with the aid of a very helpful online "subsidy calculator" from the Kaiser Family Foundation, I obtained a few representative figures.

The New Yorker

Teddy rides high on his triumphal horse and is flanked by representative figures of the oppressed: a black man and an American Indian.

The New York Times - Arts

The current renewal of interest in both Bert Williams and Stepin Fetchit — the attempt to reclaim the individuality of these once oppressively representative figures — suggests a healthy or at least hopeful progress beyond extremes of racial vulnerability.

The New Yorker

In any case, Russia argues that the coalition cannot be the opposition's sole representative; figures in Damascus who are tolerated by the regime (stooges, in rebel eyes) should, says Russia, be included.

The Economist

In "Chronically Unfeasible," Mr. Bianchi uses several representative figures -- including a cranky college professor, a waiter with an anarchist streak, an Indian woman who has reinvented herself as a capitalist and a black woman who works as a maid for a white woman who was her childhood friend -- to compose a portrait of a country on the brink of breakdown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "representative figures", always clearly define the population or group they are meant to represent to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate interpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "representative figures" perfectly reflect the entire population. Acknowledge potential limitations and biases in the selection process to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative figures" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to specific data points or individuals chosen to exemplify a broader group or trend. Ludwig provides examples that highlight its use in scientific and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "representative figures" is a correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to data or individuals accurately reflecting a larger group. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly used in scientific and news contexts. The phrase is generally neutral to formal, emphasizing its analytical role. When using "representative figures", it's crucial to define the represented group clearly and acknowledge potential limitations to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "typical examples" and "indicative numbers", each subtly shifting the emphasis. The phrase's prevalence and versatility make it a valuable tool in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative samples

Focuses on samples which represent a larger population.

typical examples

Focuses on the examples being typical rather than representative.

sample statistics

Emphasizes the statistical aspect of a sample representing a population.

indicative numbers

Emphasizes that the numbers are indicative or suggestive of a trend.

illustrative instances

Highlights the figures as instances that illustrate a point.

exemplary cases

Highlights that these figures serve as excellent examples.

diagnostic indicators

Highlights figures as indicators for diagnosis or analysis.

characteristic illustrations

Focuses on how the figures illustrate a characteristic feature.

selective individuals

Focuses on individuals chosen to represent a larger group.

archetypal characters

Stresses the archetypical nature of the characters.

FAQs

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

You can use "representative figures" to refer to data or individuals that accurately reflect a larger group. For example, "The study used representative figures from various demographics to ensure the results were reliable."

What are some alternatives to using "representative figures"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "typical examples", "indicative numbers", or "representative samples".

What makes figures "representative"?

Figures are considered "representative" when they accurately reflect the characteristics of the larger population or group they are meant to represent, minimizing bias and providing a fair depiction of the whole.

In data analysis, what is the importance of using "representative figures"?

Using "representative figures" in data analysis is crucial for drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions about the population being studied. Non-representative data can lead to biased or misleading results.