Lesson

Understanding and using numbers 2 (describing graphs, statistics, idioms)

Advanced number usage

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Understanding and using numbers: describing graphs and statistics

This lesson focuses on expressions and idioms used when describing numerical data, trends, and statistics in spoken and written English. You will learn common verbs and phrases for talking about increases, decreases, stability and change, plus idiomatic expressions that are often used in business reports and presentations.

  • How to describe trends (rise, fall, plateau, peak, dip)
  • Using percentages and differences correctly (by vs to)
  • Common idioms related to numbers and quantities
  • Appropriate tone: formal language for reports, informal idioms for conversation

Table

Common phrases for describing data

Expression Meaning Example
increase / rise go up Revenue increased by 12% last quarter.
decrease / fall / drop go down Customer churn dropped to 3% after the update.
peak / reach a peak reach the highest point Web traffic peaked in July.
plateau / level off become stable after change Sales plateaued after the promotion ended.
dip a small, temporary decrease Profit dipped slightly in February.
by X percent / by X points shows the difference or change amount Expenses fell by 8 percentage points.
double / halve become twice / half as much The user base doubled in six months.
in the ballpark approximately correct This estimate is in the ballpark of our target.
crunch the numbers calculate and analyze data Let’s crunch the numbers before the meeting.
a drop in the bucket a very small amount compared to what is needed The donation was a drop in the bucket for the project budget.

Tip

Key rule: use 'by' for change amounts and choose verb carefully

When describing the amount of change, use 'by' (not 'to'). Choose verbs that match the scale and tone.

  • Use 'by' to show the amount of change: Sales increased by 10%.
  • Use 'to' to show a new level: Sales increased to $1 million.
  • Choose precise verbs: 'rose'/'fell' (neutral), 'plummeted'/'soared' (strong), 'dipped'/'edged up' (small changes).
  • Use idioms carefully: idioms are fine in conversation, but prefer neutral verbs in formal reports.

Remember: 'by' = amount of change; 'to' = final value

Example

Examples in context

Sales increased by 15% in Q2 after the marketing campaign.

Customer satisfaction dipped slightly following the software update.

We need to crunch the numbers before we present the quarterly forecast.

The team's donation was meaningful, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to the total project cost.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch for these universal errors when describing numbers and statistics.

  • Using 'to' instead of 'by' for the amount of change: Say 'increased by 5%', not 'increased to 5%'.
  • Mixing up 'percent' and 'percentage'—use 'percent' with numbers (5%) and 'percentage' for general amounts.
  • Using vague verbs without scale—avoid 'went up' in formal reports; prefer 'increased' or 'rose' with a figure.
  • Incorrect modifier placement—attach adverbs to the correct verb: 'profits fell sharply', not 'sharply fell profits'.
  • Using informal idioms in formal documents—idioms are fine in talks or emails but choose neutral language in reports.

Always check whether your audience requires formal or informal language.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on the preposition that shows the amount of change

Quiz

Complete: Sales _____ 20% compared to last year.

Hint: Think about how to show the amount of change

Quiz

Which sentence correctly uses the idiom 'a drop in the bucket'?

Hint: Consider the meaning: very small compared to a larger amount

Key Points

Expression

crunch the numbers

verb phrase CEFR B2 //krʌntʃ ðə ˈnʌmbərz//

to calculate and analyze numerical data

We need to crunch the numbers before approving the budget.

Expression

a drop in the bucket

idiom CEFR B2 //ə drɒp ɪn ðə ˈbʌkɪt//

a very small amount compared to what is needed

The grant was helpful but a drop in the bucket for the university's needs.

Expression

in the ballpark

expression CEFR B2 //ɪn ðə ˈbɔːlˌpɑːrk//

approximately correct; close to the expected value

The forecast is in the ballpark of our targets.

Vocabulary

plateau

verb / noun CEFR B2 //plæˈtoʊ//

to level off after a period of change; a period of stability

After rapid growth, user numbers plateaued in September.

GrammarPoint

by (preposition for change)

preposition CEFR B1 //baɪ//

used to show the amount of change (e.g., increase by 5%)

Profits grew by 7% last year.

Vocabulary

dip

verb / noun CEFR B2 //dɪp//

a small or temporary decrease

Website traffic dipped after the outage but recovered quickly.