Academic / B1

st-uh-TIST-ik/stəˈtɪstɪk/

A statistic is one number from data: a worrying statistic; official statistics (usually plural for the field). Statistics as a subject is uncountable and takes a singular verb (Statistics is taught…). Figure and number are everyday twins; statistical is the adjective. Do not say “a statistics”. In Task 1, pick two or three statistics; do not dump the table.

Meaning

A fact or number taken from a study of a large amount of information.

Examples

• “One statistic in the report showed a fall in youth unemployment.”
• “One statistic does not prove the policy works; look at the trend.”
• “Official statistics show fewer young drivers on the road at night.”

Good to know

a statistic (one number); official statistics. Subject: Statistics is… Everyday: figure. Adjective: statistical. Not “a statistics”.

Near in meaning

figure

Topics

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