the figure below

USAGE SUMMARY

"the figure below" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
One example of using this phrase is in an academic paper or report, where a visual representation, such as a graph, chart, or diagram, is being referenced. In this case, the phrase "the figure below" is often used to introduce and describe the figure before discussing its significance or implications. Example: "The results of the study can be seen in the figure below, which illustrates the correlation between age and income in the surveyed population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The figure below makes this clear.

Forbes

On the other hand, the figure below might give you pause.

Huffington Post

The figure below makes this case, and actually, a lot more cases.

Huffington Post

The figure below depicts these messages graphically.

Cornell University

The figure below is from matlab documentation.

Cornell University

The figure below shows this setup.

Cornell University

The figure below shows the process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The figure below summarizes their findings.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The figure below gets close to that for child poverty.

The New York Times

The figure below shows the problem in more detail.

Forbes

The comparison is captured in the figure below.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "the figure below" with a concise description of what the figure represents. This helps readers understand the relevance of the figure to the text.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the figure below" without providing any context or explanation. Always follow with a sentence or two explaining what the figure illustrates or why it's relevant to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the figure below" functions as a deictic expression, specifically an anaphoric reference. It points the reader's attention to a visual element (the figure) located in the subsequent text. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the figure below" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for directing readers to a visual aid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the figure is actually placed below the reference and provide a brief explanation of its contents. Alternatives like ""see the diagram below"" or ""refer to the illustration below"" can be used depending on the type of visual. Avoid simply stating "the figure below" without providing context. Its widespread use and clear meaning make it a reliable choice for referencing visuals in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

see the diagram below

Replaces "figure" with "diagram", implying a more schematic representation.

refer to the illustration below

Substitutes "figure" with "illustration", suggesting a more artistic or explanatory visual.

as shown in the image below

Replaces "figure" with "image", highlighting the visual nature of the reference.

the following chart illustrates

Changes the structure to introduce the chart as an illustration, rather than referring to it.

the graph underneath shows

Uses "graph" to specify the type of visual and "underneath" to describe its position.

below is a representation of

Offers a more descriptive introduction to the visual content.

this data is visualized below

Emphasizes that the information is being presented visually.

the schematic below depicts

Uses "schematic" to specify a technical drawing and "depicts" to describe its function.

observe the graphic below

Replaces "figure" with "graphic" and uses "observe" to encourage visual attention.

the subsequent visual explains

Highlights that a following image will provide an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "the figure below" to direct readers to a visual aid that supports your text. For example, "The trends in consumer spending are detailed in the figure below." Ensure the figure is actually placed below the reference.

What are some alternatives to "the figure below"?

Alternatives include "see the diagram below", "refer to the illustration below", or "as shown in the image below". The best choice depends on the specific type of visual being referenced.

Is it acceptable to use "the figure below" in formal writing?

Yes, "the figure below" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, including academic papers and reports. It's a clear and concise way to refer to a visual aid. However, ensure that your writing maintains a formal tone throughout.

What's the difference between "the figure below" and "the table below"?

"The figure below" is used for any type of visual representation, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. "The table below" is specifically used when referring to a table of data.