true figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"true figure" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a reliable and accurate number that can be used for making important decisions. For example, "We need the most up-to-date and true figure of our company's monthly income before we make any decisions about expansion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The true figure was -0.6%.

The Guardian - Opinion

The true figure is 1 in 500.

The Economist

The true figure may be bigger.

The Economist

The true figure will inevitably be higher.

The Guardian - Opinion

The true figure is 13%, according to the 2011 census.

The Guardian

The true figure, thus far, is about 2,800.

The Guardian - Books

Other sources claim the true figure is far higher.

The Guardian

Now we learn the true figure is more than £37bn.

The Guardian

The S.B.A. claims the true figure is $1 million.

The New York Times

Experts said on Thursday the true figure was much higher.

The Guardian

She said she thought the true figure was much higher.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "true figure", ensure that you can provide evidence or a reliable source to support the accuracy of the number you are presenting. This builds credibility and trust with your audience.

Common error

Avoid stating a "true figure" without a credible source or clear methodology. Always back up your claims with verifiable data to prevent misinformation and maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'true' modifies the noun 'figure'. It denotes a specific numerical value that is asserted to be the most accurate or correct representation of a quantity. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in contexts where an initially stated number is corrected or refined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true figure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that refers to the accurate or verified value of something, particularly in numerical contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various news and media sources, emphasizing its role in factual reporting. When using this phrase, it's crucial to support your claim with credible evidence to maintain accuracy and trustworthiness. While alternatives like "accurate number" or "actual value" exist, "true figure" often implies a higher level of certainty and verification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accurate number

Focuses on the precision and correctness of the numerical value.

actual value

Highlights the real or factual amount, contrasting with estimates or approximations.

correct amount

Emphasizes the absence of error in the quantity.

precise statistic

Stresses the exactness and reliability of the numerical data point.

verified total

Indicates that the sum has been confirmed or validated.

factual number

Highlights that the amount is based on reality, rather than speculation.

established figure

Indicates that the number is recognized and confirmed.

validated count

Implies that the enumeration has been officially approved or checked.

authentic total

Emphasizes genuineness and lack of fabrication in the final sum.

official figure

Refers to a number recognized by an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "true figure" in a sentence?

You can use "true figure" when you want to emphasize that a number is accurate and reliable. For example, "According to the latest investigation, the "true figure" of unemployment is higher than previously reported."

What are some alternatives to saying "true figure"?

Some alternatives include "accurate number", "actual value", or "correct amount". The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

Which is correct: "true figure" or "real figure"?

Both "true figure" and "real figure" can be used, but "true figure" often carries a stronger connotation of verified accuracy, while "real figure" can simply mean not estimated or speculated.

What does "true figure" mean in the context of financial reporting?

In financial reporting, "true figure" refers to the accurate and verified financial data, as opposed to estimated or projected numbers. It's the number that reflects the actual financial state of a company or entity.