the exact figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the exact figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific number or amount that is precise and not an approximation. Example: "Can you provide the exact figure for the budget allocation for this project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Nobody knows the exact figure).

The New Yorker

The exact figure is unknowable.

The Guardian - Film

The exact figure was academic.

The New York Times

The exact figure is a private matter".

Independent

(the exact figure depends on the temperature).

The New York Times - Science

(The exact figure is still being negotiated).

The New York Times

This season alone, the exact figure could be disputed.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't know the exact figure," he told me.

The New Yorker

The exact figure varies for different sections of the company.

The Times

Nobody knows the exact figure, since the government massages it.

The Economist

The exact figure the UK should take is subject to overall numbers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the exact figure", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the figure represents. For example, specify "the exact figure" of sales, population, or cost to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the exact figure" when you only have an estimate. If you don't know the precise number, it's more accurate to use phrases like "approximately", "around", or "in the region of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the exact figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it often appears when requesting or providing a precise numerical value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the exact figure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a precise numerical value. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia and business. It is essential to use this phrase when accuracy is paramount and to avoid using it when only an approximation is available. Alternatives such as "the precise number" or "the specific amount" can be considered for stylistic variation. The frequent usage and clear communicative purpose solidify its significance in English writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the precise number

Replaces 'figure' with 'number' offering a direct synonym with equivalent meaning.

the specific amount

Substitutes 'exact' with 'specific' and 'figure' with 'amount', emphasizing the detailed quantity.

the accurate count

Uses 'accurate' instead of 'exact', focusing on correctness in enumeration.

the definite quantity

Replaces 'figure' with 'quantity' and 'exact' with 'definite' highlighting a fixed and certain measure.

the precise value

Emphasizes numerical precision, suitable when discussing financial or statistical data.

the actual total

Focuses on the final sum or count, suggesting a complete tally.

the confirmed number

Indicates the count has been verified or officially recognized.

the official tally

Suggests a count that has been formally recorded and recognized by an authority.

the exact sum

Replaces 'figure' with 'sum', typically used when discussing monetary amounts.

the final reckoning

Implies a comprehensive and conclusive calculation, often after a period of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "the exact figure" in a sentence?

Use "the exact figure" when you need to specify a precise quantity or amount. For example: "Can you provide "the exact figure" for the project's budget?" or "The report did not disclose "the exact figure" of the company's debt".

What can I say instead of "the exact figure"?

You can use alternatives like "the precise number", "the specific amount", or "the accurate count" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "the exact figure" and "an estimated figure"?

"The exact figure" refers to a precise, confirmed number, while "an estimated figure" is an approximate value or educated guess. Use "the exact figure" when you have accurate data and "an estimated figure" when the number is not known precisely.

When is it appropriate to use "the exact figure"?

It's appropriate to use "the exact figure" when you have precise data and want to emphasize the accuracy and specificity of the number you are referencing. For example, in financial reports, scientific studies, or statistical analyses.