the figures pointed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the figures pointed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific data or statistics that have been indicated or highlighted in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In the report, the figures pointed to a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Experts said the figures pointed to a rebound in consumer confidence.

The Guardian - Business

However, Jamei said he did not think the figures pointed to a significant acceleration in lending.

The Guardian - Business

The BBA's chief economist, Dr Rebecca Harding, said the figures pointed to a softer housing market in August.

The Guardian - Money

Even allowing for his reputation as a single-minded finisher, rather than a player who links well with others, the figures pointed to a lack of service.

Independent

Jessica Southgate, of Agenda, an alliance of groups that campaign on the risks faced by girls and women, said the figures pointed to a growing mental health crisis.

The Guardian

James Steyer, the chief executive of Common Sense Media, said that the figures pointed to a gap in parents' understanding of how their children's social lives were structured.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The figures point to an emerging gap.

The New York Times - Tech

"The figures point to a slow, painful contraction in the jobs market.

The Guardian - Business

The figures point to only modest economic growth in the July-September quarter.

The New York Times

The figures point to a market developing for surgery as the NHS cuts back on what it offers the public.

The Guardian

"The figures point to 86% of sexually active girls experiencing being sexually forced by their boyfriends," say the researchers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the figures pointed to", ensure the figures you're referencing are clearly defined and accessible to your audience. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "the figures pointed to" without specifying which figures you are referring to. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the figures pointed to" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing an inference or conclusion drawn from specific data. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid English expression used to highlight what certain data suggests. Examples from Ludwig show usage in diverse contexts like economics, health, and sports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the figures pointed to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce an inference drawn from data, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing primarily in news and media contexts, it serves to present an interpretation of factual information. While correct, clarity is crucial: always specify which figures are being referenced. Alternatives like "the data suggested" or "the statistics indicated" offer slight variations in tone. Overall, "the figures pointed to" is a reliable way to connect data with its implications, provided it's used with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the data suggested

Changes 'figures' to 'data' and 'pointed to' to 'suggested', implying a less direct indication.

the statistics indicated

Replaces 'figures' with 'statistics' and 'pointed to' with 'indicated', providing a more formal tone.

the numbers revealed

Substitutes 'figures' with 'numbers' and 'pointed to' with 'revealed', suggesting a clearer uncovering of information.

the results implied

Uses 'results' instead of 'figures' and 'implied' instead of 'pointed to', suggesting a more indirect conclusion.

the evidence suggested

Replaces 'figures' with 'evidence' and 'pointed to' with 'suggested', framing the information as supportive but not conclusive.

the analysis showed

Substitutes 'figures' with 'analysis' and 'pointed to' with 'showed', emphasizing the analytical process.

the calculations indicated

Changes 'figures' to 'calculations' and 'pointed to' to 'indicated', highlighting the mathematical aspect of the data.

the trends suggested

Uses 'trends' instead of 'figures' and 'suggested' instead of 'pointed to', focusing on patterns in the data.

the findings highlighted

Replaces 'figures' with 'findings' and 'pointed to' with 'highlighted', suggesting a more emphasized revelation.

the metrics demonstrated

Substitutes 'figures' with 'metrics' and 'pointed to' with 'demonstrated', suggesting a clear and convincing display of information.

FAQs

How can I use "the figures pointed to" in a sentence?

You can use "the figures pointed to" to introduce a conclusion or implication derived from specific data or statistics. For example: "The sales figures pointed to a significant increase in demand".

What are some alternatives to "the figures pointed to"?

You can use alternatives like "the data suggested", "the statistics indicated", or "the results implied depending" on the context.

Is it better to say "the figures pointed to" or "the figures point to"?

The past tense "the figures pointed to" indicates that you are referring to data that has already been analyzed. "The figures point to" suggests a more current or ongoing analysis.

What's the difference between "the figures pointed to" and "the figures indicated"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "the figures pointed to" can sometimes imply a more obvious or direct conclusion than "the figures indicated", which might suggest a more subtle implication.