set a figure for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a figure for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when determining or establishing a specific amount, value, or numerical representation for something, such as a budget or estimate. Example: "The committee decided to set a figure for the annual budget to ensure proper allocation of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Britain has not set a figure for numbers, she says.

The Guardian

Wales has yet to set a figure for its increase.

BBC

In Scotland, they will go up by RPI plus 1%, while Wales has yet to set a figure for its increase.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A buy-out clause, on the other hand, sets a figure for which the player can buy his way out of his current deal with the club.

The Guardian - Sport

On the tax cut, a red meat issue for his party's right wing, Mr. Bush set out a figure for how much he wanted, rammed it through the House without even pretending to consult Democrats and gave ground in the Senate only when he had no choice.

The New York Times

He said he would not set a target figure for the size of the state in relation to gross domestic product.

The Guardian

Bridges has found that recruitment agencies tend to set a ballpark figure for freelancers, according to their experience, from which to begin negotiations between the client and the freelancer.

The Guardian

Government sources said Osborne would set an overall figure for reining in public expenditure over the next five years as he seeks to eliminate the current structural deficit.

The Guardian

Yesterday, four members of Congress and dozens of relatives of victims gathered for a news conference outside Mr. Feinberg's Manhattan office, charging that he had set too low a figure for compensating families for their noneconomic losses.

The New York Times

Chancellor Angela Merkel opposed setting a firm figure for European climate aid but said the Europeans would have to pay about a third of the cost of public financing if there were a deal in Copenhagen.

The New York Times

To demonstrate how fears about death influence societal opinion, judges were prompted to set a bail figure nine times higher for a (putative) prostitute after being reminded of death.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a figure for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the figure represents, such as a budget, target, or estimate, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "set a figure for" without specifying the units or scale. For example, instead of saying "We need to set a figure for expenses", specify "We need to set a figure for monthly expenses in US dollars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a figure for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of establishing or determining a specific numerical value. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set a figure for" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for denoting the act of determining a specific numerical value. As validated by Ludwig AI, it finds its primary use in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While examples are somewhat limited, understanding its role in specifying amounts and avoiding vagueness will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a value for

This alternative replaces "set" with "establish", emphasizing the act of formally creating or defining a value.

determine an amount for

This emphasizes the process of finding out or deciding on the quantity involved.

define a level for

This alternative focuses on establishing a specific point or degree on a scale or range.

specify a sum for

This emphasizes the explicit naming or stating of a monetary amount.

assign a number to

Focuses on the act of attributing a numerical value to something.

fix a price for

Implies setting a specific cost or charge for a product or service.

designate a quantity for

Highlights the act of officially allocating a certain amount.

quantify an estimate for

Suggests putting a numerical value on a preliminary calculation or judgment.

allocate a budget for

Focuses on dedicating financial resources to a specific purpose.

peg a rate for

Implies fixing or stabilizing a rate at a certain level.

FAQs

How can I use "set a figure for" in a sentence?

You can use "set a figure for" when you need to determine a specific numerical amount for something. For example: "The government needs to "establish a budget for" education" or "The company must "determine an amount for" marketing expenses".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "set a figure for"?

Alternatives to "set a figure for" include "establish a value for", "determine an amount for", or "define a level for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "set a figure for" or "establish a figure for"?

"Set a figure for" and "establish a figure for" are largely interchangeable. "Establish" may imply a more formal or official process, but both are grammatically correct and widely understood.

What does "set a figure for" mean?

"Set a figure for" means to determine or decide on a specific number or amount to be used as a target, budget, or estimate. It implies that a decision is being made about a numerical value.