short on figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "short on figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a lack of numerical data or statistics in a given context. Example: "The report was informative, but it was short on figures to support the claims made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comedians with larger, less well-informed audiences, such as Jay Leno, have to keep their political quips short and focused on figures with flaws everyone knows like Bill Clinton's lechery or George Bush's grammatical problems.

The Economist

It has been badly neglectful of serious depictive art, and this left it woefully short on the great figures in modern British painting from Walter Sickert on, such as Frank Auerbach or Lucian Freud Rubinn couldn't bring himself to think of Freud as a "modern artist" at all, even though he, unlike so many of the figures on Moma's walls, was alive.

The Guardian - Arts

My gaze is fixed on one short figure leaning on the parapet.

The Guardian

These works — played by Mr. Frisell on electric guitar, Jenny Scheinman on violin, Eyvind Kang on viola and Hank Roberts on cello — weren't tunes so much as gestures: slow or frenetic, based on short figures.

The New York Times - Arts

These periods were grouped as long-range, medium-range and short-range periods on Figure 5A.

BMC Genomics

The relative length of the two segments varied across trials, being either equal or shorter on one side of space (see Figure 1B).

Plosone

The Raiders, who may have been slowed last week against Buffalo because of quirky scheduling (traveling cross-country on short rest), figure to be fired up for their home opener.

The New York Times

But loading up on fresh produce and specialty items can be inconvenient at best and expensive at worst, preventing those of us who are short on money and patience from figuring it out.

Vice

However they fell 2,500 short of that figure on average for their 12 home games in Super League, as well as the final match of the season, which was played at Leigh Sports Village because of a schedule clash with their new tenants.

BBC

However, even with grants, loans and scholarships, Johnson still came up short on tuition, and he had to figure out a way to pay the difference.

Huffington Post

Since mint populations on younger islands (longer repeats; Figure 4) likely descend from those present already on older ones (shorter repeats, Figure 4) [ 12], under a constant rate of CAG expansion our data are consistent with critical allele lengths decreasing with island age as islands form and subside and selection pressures increase.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "short on figures", ensure that the context clearly indicates what kind of figures are lacking. Be specific about the type of data needed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "short on figures" without specifying the relevant domain or type of data. For example, instead of saying "the analysis is short on figures", specify "the analysis is short on sales figures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short on figures" acts as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a lack of quantitative data. It describes something as being deficient in numerical information. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "short on figures" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a lack of numerical data or statistics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but can also appear in scientific or formal business writing, though more precise alternatives might be preferred in those settings. To improve clarity, always specify the type of figures that are lacking. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it provides a concise way to express a deficiency in quantitative information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in data

Emphasizes the absence of data, focusing on the deficiency rather than the specific type of information.

deficient in statistics

Highlights the inadequacy of statistical information, specifically referring to numerical data.

scarce in numbers

Implies a limited quantity of numerical values, suggesting a shortage.

data is insufficient

States directly that the available data does not meet the required amount or standard.

limited quantitative information

Focuses on the restricted amount of information expressed numerically.

insufficient numerical evidence

Highlights the lack of enough numerical proof or support.

lacking statistical support

Indicates that there is not enough statistical data to back up a claim or argument.

numbers are inadequate

Suggests that the available numerical values are not sufficient or appropriate.

limited empirical data

Focuses on the limited quantity of data obtained through observation or experimentation.

a paucity of figures

Uses "paucity" to describe a small or insufficient quantity of numerical data; a more formal alternative.

FAQs

What does "short on figures" mean?

The expression "short on figures" means lacking sufficient numerical data or statistics to support a claim, argument, or analysis. It indicates a deficiency in quantitative information.

How to use "short on figures" in a sentence?

You can use "short on figures" to describe something that lacks sufficient numerical data. For example, "The report was informative, but it was "short on figures" to support its conclusions".

What can I say instead of "short on figures"?

You can use alternatives like "lacking in data", "deficient in statistics", or "scarce in numbers" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "short on figures" in formal writing?

While "short on figures" is understandable, more formal alternatives such as "insufficient numerical evidence" or "lacking statistical support" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.