According to these figures

You typically use this phrase at the very start of a sentence. It acts as a logical anchor for whatever comes next. You can use it while pointing at a PowerPoint slide, holding a printed report, or even looking at a spreadsheet on your phone. It works best when the data is actually visible to everyone involved. You state the phrase, then follow it with a trend, a conclusion, or a problem. For example, According to these figures, we are spending too much on coffee. It is a smooth way to introduce bad news because you can blame the numbers instead of taking the heat yourself. It is the ultimate "it wasn't me, it was the data" move. Use it when you want to sound organized, serious, and deeply analytical.

This phrase sits firmly in the formal and neutral categories. You will hear it constantly in offices, news broadcasts, and university lectures. It is the bread and butter of corporate English. However, it is not so stiff that you can't use it with friends if you are being a bit ironic. Imagine you and your buddies are looking at your shared vacation budget. You could say, According to these figures, we can't afford the luxury villa. It adds a touch of mock-seriousness that can be quite funny. On the flip side, in a job interview, it shows you are data-driven and professional. It is like wearing a crisp white shirt; it always looks good and works in almost any serious setting. Just avoid using it in a very casual text message unless you want to sound like a robot or a very stressed accountant.

Picture a YouTuber reviewing the latest iPhone sales. They might say, According to these figures, the Pro Max is still the king of the hill. Or imagine a local news reporter standing in front of a weather map, saying, According to these figures, we should expect record rainfall this weekend. You see it on LinkedIn posts all the time, usually followed by a colorful bar chart showing how someone doubled their followers. It is the language of the modern, data-obsessed world. Even in gaming, a pro player might look at their win-loss ratio and tell their stream, According to these figures, I really need to practice my aim. It is everywhere because numbers run our lives, and this phrase is how we talk about them.

Use it when you have actual data to back up your claim. It is perfect for meetings where you need to justify a budget increase. Use it in academic essays when you are citing a study's results. It is also great for resolving an argument where the facts are clear. If your roommate claims they do all the dishes, you can pull up your tracking app (yes, some people do that) and say, According to these figures, I did them 70% of the time. It is the ultimate argument-ender. It is also useful when you want to distance yourself from a conclusion. If the numbers look bad, saying According to these figures makes it clear that you are just the messenger, not the creator of the disaster.

Never use this phrase when you are talking about feelings, opinions, or intuition. If you say, According to these figures, I love you, you are either a very confused AI or someone who is about to get dumped. It also doesn't work for general knowledge. You wouldn't say, According to these figures, the sky is blue, unless you are literally looking at a chart of atmospheric wavelengths. Also, avoid it if there are no actual figures present. If you are empty-handed and say it, people will look around for the invisible chart and think you’ve lost your mind. It is a tool for evidence, so don't use it when you're just vibing or guessing. Keep it for the spreadsheets, not the soul-searching.

One of the biggest blunders is saying ✗ According to my figures when you mean your opinion. Remember, figures implies data. If you mean your own thought, use In my opinion. Another classic is ✗ Based to these figures. The preposition is always to for according, but it is on for based. Don't mix them up like a bad cocktail! Also, avoid saying ✗ According to these numbers figures. Pick one and stick to it! Using both just makes you sound like you are glitching. Lastly, don't use it for people. You can't say ✗ According to Sarah, these figures are wrong. Well, you can, but it’s better to say Sarah says the figures are wrong. Keep the phrase focused on the data itself for maximum impact.

If you want to spice things up, you can try As shown by these statistics or Based on this data. For a slightly more academic feel, go with The data suggests that.... In a more casual setting, you might just say Looking at these numbers.... If you are in a rush, The stats say... works perfectly for a quick WhatsApp update. If you want to sound very fancy, try Evidenced by the current metrics..., though you might get some eye-rolls for being too "corporate." Another good one is From what we can see here... while gesturing to a report. Variety is the spice of life, but According to these figures is the classic, reliable salt that makes everything taste professional.

Is this phrase too formal for a text? It depends on the context! If you are sending a quick work update on Slack, it is perfectly fine. If you are texting your mom about what’s for dinner, it is probably a bit much. Does figures always mean numbers? In this specific context, yes. It refers to data, statistics, or financial amounts. Can I use it in a presentation? Absolutely, it is one of the best phrases for a PowerPoint presentation. It helps guide your audience's eyes to the data. What is the difference between figures and data? They are very similar, but figures often feels more specific to numbers and amounts, while data can be any kind of information. Is it okay to use this if the figures are wrong? Well, the phrase is still grammatically correct, but your reputation might take a hit! Always double-check your math before using such a confident phrase.