that figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express understanding or acknowledgement of something that has been said or done, and implies acceptance of the situation. For example: "I heard you failed your exam. That figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's less "WTF", more "yeah, that figures".

The Guardian - Travel

The report stressed that figures were still very much estimates.

The Guardian

"It's not a surprise that figures went down this week".

The Guardian

It seems that an army truck that figures prominently has never actually been in Iraq.

The Economist

"The urban center that figures this out is the urban center of the next century.

The New York Times

ArtPlay is another Moscow site that figures in the revamp trend.

The New York Times - Arts

Money is why the company that figures out the living room wins the war.

The New York Times

There is nothing to suggest that figures in Britain are likely to be much different.

Independent

"They think they have a mathematical equation that figures everything out," Jeter has said.

The New York Times - Sports

He liked the idea that figures might be implicit in the image.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is the Tampa Bay defense that figures to rule.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that figures" to express a sense of understanding or mild resignation when something predictable or unsurprising occurs. It's best used in informal contexts or when speaking casually.

Common error

Avoid using "that figures" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal or dismissive. Opt for more neutral or analytical language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that figures" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as an interjection. According to Ludwig, this phrase expresses understanding, acknowledgement, or acceptance of a situation, often implying a lack of surprise. It effectively punctuates a statement or observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that figures" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of understanding, acceptance, or a lack of surprise. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in various contexts but primarily in news and media. While appropriate for informal communication, it should be used cautiously in formal writing. Consider alternative phrases like "it makes sense" or "that's not surprising" in professional settings. The phrase "that figures" is a handy way to express recognition and acknowledgment of a situation, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's not surprising

Emphasizes the lack of surprise regarding a piece of information.

that's to be expected

Highlights the anticipation or predictability of the situation.

it was predictable

Focuses on the foreseeable nature of the event or outcome.

it makes sense

Indicates a logical understanding of the situation.

that's understandable

Expresses empathy and acceptance of the circumstances.

no wonder

Conveys a lack of surprise, often with a hint of skepticism.

as expected

Similar to "that's to be expected" but more concise.

it all adds up

Suggests that new information confirms existing beliefs.

I'm not surprised

Directly states the absence of surprise.

what else is new?

Implies a sense of resignation or cynicism about the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "that figures" to express a lack of surprise or a sense of understanding when something predictable happens. For example, "He failed the test again? "That figures"."

What's an alternative to "that figures"?

Alternatives to "that figures" include phrases like "that's not surprising", "it makes sense", or "as expected". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that figures" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "that figures" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. In these contexts, it's better to use more neutral or analytical language.

What does "that figures" imply?

"That figures" implies a sense of understanding or acceptance of a situation, often with a hint of resignation or a lack of surprise. It suggests that the outcome was predictable based on previous knowledge or experience.