work with figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work with figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to tasks that involve numerical data, calculations, or financial analysis. Example: "In my job as an accountant, I often have to work with figures to prepare financial reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They work with figures supplied by owners but may develop their own methods of verification.

The New York Times

As Serota, director of Tate Modern, commented when Muñoz suddenly died from a heart attack while holidaying in Ibiza in 2001: "He challenged convention in his determination to use but not be trapped by his Spanish heritage and in his decision to work with figures when most of his peers were working in an abstract or conceptual vein.

Independent

He writes defensively in the catalog, making light of the comparisons to previous styles and artists, and dismissing the portrayal of Mr. Rauch as "a savvy interpreter of the contemporary scene," succeeding by associating his work "with figures of the near and distant past".

The New York Times - Arts

On the other hand, the obtained suppression of thermal conductivity in the rough-edge nanoribbons for the used value of surface porosity p = 0.20 is not so strong as that for the Si nanowires with rough surfaces which were studied recently in[24] (compare Figures1 and2 in this work with Figures one and three in[24]).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When we first started having auctions, we thought our biggest problem would be finding Chinese manufacturers to work with, figuring that would take more time than finding Chinese buyers.

The New York Times

Whether it is working with figures, working with people or working on potholes.

The New York Times

Newcomb displayed his aptitude for working with figures at an early age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These ranged from classical works with figures such as violinist Yehudi Menuhin to works in the pop canon.

Independent

Dumas has made her name with politically charged works, with figures such as Osama bin Laden and Amy Winehouse appearing in her paintings, as well as drawing on themes such as the adult-entertainment industry, religion and sexuality.

The Guardian - Arts

Laurie Simmons, too, works with figures, turning high-end sex dolls into suburban subjects, plopped amidst domestic scenarios, emphasizing the objectification and commodification of the female form.

Huffington Post

The pioneer was Nystrom, who secretly worked with figure skater Laura Stamm at a New York practice rink used by both the Rangers and Islanders back in the 1970s.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work with figures", ensure the context clearly indicates that the figures are numerical or represent data. This prevents misinterpretations and ensures clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "work with figures" when the context involves shapes, diagrams, or illustrations; instead, opt for terms like "work with images" or "work with illustrations" to maintain precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work with figures" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action or activity. It describes the act of engaging with numerical data for analysis, calculation, or manipulation. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase appears in sentences describing job responsibilities, artistic endeavors, and comparative analyses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work with figures" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression that describes the act of handling or manipulating numerical data. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is categorized as uncommon. It is most often used in News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a professional or neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to numerical or quantifiable information. For similar meanings, consider alternatives like "work with numbers" or "handle numerical data" to add greater precision. Overall, "work with figures" is a reliable choice for expressing involvement in numerical tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work with data

Focuses on the broader concept of data rather than specifically numerical figures.

work with numbers

Specifies numerical values instead of the more general "figures".

handle numerical data

Emphasizes the act of managing or processing numerical information.

analyze statistical data

Highlights the analysis aspect of dealing with figures, specifically in a statistical context.

process financial information

Refers to the handling of financial data, which often involves figures.

manipulate numerical values

Focuses on altering or adjusting numerical values, adding a layer of intervention.

calculate with precision

Highlights the accuracy aspect of working with figures.

compute financial metrics

Deals with calculating and applying financial indicators.

utilize statistical methods

Focuses on the application of statistical techniques, which often involves figures.

engage in quantitative analysis

Emphasizes the analytical and quantitative aspects of working with figures.

FAQs

What does "work with figures" mean?

The phrase "work with figures" typically means to handle, analyze, or manipulate numerical data or financial information. It implies a task that involves calculations, statistics, or other forms of quantitative analysis.

What are some alternatives to "work with figures"?

You can use alternatives like "work with numbers", "analyze data", or "handle financial information" depending on the context.

How can I use "work with figures" in a sentence?

You can use it in a sentence like, "As an accountant, I "work with figures" daily to prepare financial statements" or "Data scientists often "work with figures" to identify trends and patterns."

What is the difference between "work with figures" and "work with data"?

"Work with figures" typically refers to numerical or financial data specifically. "Work with data" is broader and can include any type of information, whether it's numerical, textual, or visual.