In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce findings after analyzing several data groups.
- Common in academic papers, medical reports, and business analytics.
- Signals thoroughness and statistical validity to the reader.
Meaning
This phrase is used to explain that after looking at many different groups or sets of data, the researchers found specific patterns or differences. It is like saying, 'After checking every possible combination, here is what we discovered.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a university thesis
Multiple comparisons revealed a significant difference between the two age groups.
Multiple comparisons revealed a significant difference between the two age groups.
Presenting a quarterly business review
Multiple comparisons revealed that our Tokyo branch outperformed all other locations.
Multiple comparisons revealed that our Tokyo branch outperformed all other locations.
Discussing a medical study with a colleague
Multiple comparisons revealed that the side effects were only present in the high-dosage group.
Multiple comparisons revealed that the side effects were only present in the high-dosage group.
Cultural Background
In the global scientific community, this phrase is a 'shibboleth'—a way of speaking that identifies you as a trained researcher who understands statistical significance. In US and UK corporate environments, using data-heavy language like this is seen as a sign of competence and objectivity, especially in 'Big Tech.' German professionals value 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). This phrase is highly respected because it focuses on the data rather than the person's opinion. Modern news outlets like FiveThirtyEight or The Economist use this language to bridge the gap between complex science and public understanding.
Use it in the IELTS
Using this phrase in Task 1 of the IELTS Academic writing when describing a complex chart will instantly boost your 'Lexical Resource' score.
Don't over-use it
In a single report, try not to use this exact phrase more than twice. Use synonyms like 'Further analysis indicated' to keep the writing fresh.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce findings after analyzing several data groups.
- Common in academic papers, medical reports, and business analytics.
- Signals thoroughness and statistical validity to the reader.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the 'big reveal' in a science story. It tells you that the researchers didn't just look at one thing. They compared many different groups or variables. After doing all that math, they found something important. It is the moment where the data starts to make sense.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a sentence in a report. Use it to introduce your main findings. It acts as a bridge between your math and your results. It sounds very professional and precise. You are telling your reader that you were thorough. You didn't just guess; you checked everything.
When To Use It
Use this when you have a lot of data to talk about. It is perfect for university essays or business analytics. If you are presenting a marketing report, use it to show why one group liked your product more than another. It makes you sound like an expert who knows their statistics. It is the 'detective' moment of a research paper.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a casual dinner party. If you say, Multiple comparisons revealed that your pizza is better than your friend's, people will think you are a robot. Avoid it in text messages unless you are joking. It is too heavy for simple, everyday choices. Don't use it if you only compared two things. That would be a single comparison, not multiple!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of academic statistics. In Western science, being transparent about your methods is a huge deal. There is a famous problem called 'p-hacking' where people run too many tests. Using this phrase shows you are following the rules of logic. It reflects a culture that values data over feelings. It has become a standard 'power phrase' in global business English.
Common Variations
You might hear Post-hoc tests showed or Pairwise comparisons indicated. These are just fancier ways of saying the same thing. In a business meeting, someone might say, Looking across the segments, we found.... However, Multiple comparisons revealed remains the gold standard for formal writing. It is the classic way to start a results section.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level academic and professional expression. It belongs in the 'Results' or 'Discussion' section of a paper. Avoid using it in the 'Introduction' unless you are summarizing someone else's work.
Use it in the IELTS
Using this phrase in Task 1 of the IELTS Academic writing when describing a complex chart will instantly boost your 'Lexical Resource' score.
Don't over-use it
In a single report, try not to use this exact phrase more than twice. Use synonyms like 'Further analysis indicated' to keep the writing fresh.
Examples
6Multiple comparisons revealed a significant difference between the two age groups.
Multiple comparisons revealed a significant difference between the two age groups.
This is the standard way to report scientific results.
Multiple comparisons revealed that our Tokyo branch outperformed all other locations.
Multiple comparisons revealed that our Tokyo branch outperformed all other locations.
Used here to show the data analysis was deep and wide.
Multiple comparisons revealed that the side effects were only present in the high-dosage group.
Multiple comparisons revealed that the side effects were only present in the high-dosage group.
Very common in medical and pharmaceutical contexts.
Multiple comparisons revealed that guys with dogs get 50% more likes.
Multiple comparisons revealed that guys with dogs get 50% more likes.
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates a humorous effect.
Multiple comparisons revealed we are spending way too much on coffee!
Multiple comparisons revealed we are spending way too much on coffee!
Adds a dramatic, 'official' weight to a household discovery.
Multiple comparisons revealed no significant patterns, unfortunately.
Multiple comparisons revealed no significant patterns, unfortunately.
Used to confirm that even after much effort, nothing was found.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
After analyzing the data from all four cities, ________ ________ ________ that Chicago had the highest growth rate.
The standard phrase uses the adjective 'multiple' and the plural noun 'comparisons' followed by the past tense verb 'revealed.'
Which context is most appropriate for this phrase?
Where would you likely see the phrase 'Multiple comparisons revealed'?
This is a highly formal, technical phrase used in research and data analysis.
Match the finding to the most professional way to report it.
Finding: Group A is better than B, C, and D.
This option uses the correct formal register and the specific phrase for comparing more than two groups.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAfter analyzing the data from all four cities, ________ ________ ________ that Chicago had the highest growth rate.
The standard phrase uses the adjective 'multiple' and the plural noun 'comparisons' followed by the past tense verb 'revealed.'
Where would you likely see the phrase 'Multiple comparisons revealed'?
This is a highly formal, technical phrase used in research and data analysis.
Finding: Group A is better than B, C, and D.
This option uses the correct formal register and the specific phrase for comparing more than two groups.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, 'multiple' implies three or more. For two things, use 'A comparison revealed' or 'The comparison showed.'
In academic writing, yes. 'Revealed' suggests a deeper level of discovery and sounds more professional.
Yes, it is standard across all variants of academic and professional English (US, UK, Canada, Australia).
'Many comparisons' is grammatically correct but sounds much less formal. In a professional report, stick to 'multiple.'
Related Phrases
Significant difference
similarA result that is unlikely to have occurred by chance.
Post-hoc analysis
specialized formAnalysis performed after a study has been completed.
Data dredging
contrastLooking for patterns in data without a prior hypothesis.
Pairwise comparison
specialized formComparing items two at a time.
