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How to Use Prepositions for Describing Graphs and Statistics

<h2>Prepositions to describe statistics</h2>

Describing Statistics in English | Describing Data, Tables, Graphs, Information

Let's delve into some essential prepositions used when describing statistics, complete with examples and explanations for each:

Prepositions to describe statistics

  • On: This preposition is used when referring to specific dates or days. Example: "On December 1st, the company saw a 20% increase in sales." Here, 'on' is used to indicate the specific day when the increase occurred.

  • In: This is used with months, years, seasons, and periods of time. Example: "In 2020, e-commerce sales skyrocketed." Here, 'in' is used to specify the year when the increase in e-commerce sales happened.

  • At: This is used with particular points of time, including clock times. Example: "At the end of the financial year, profits were up by 10%." Here, 'at' indicates the exact point in time when the profits were calculated.
  • From...to/through: These prepositions are used to describe a range or span of time. Example: "From 2010 to 2020, there was a steady growth in the company's market share." Here, 'from...to' is used to outline the time span of the growth.
  • By: This preposition is used to indicate a deadline or the end of a particular time period. Example: "By the third quarter, the company's profits had doubled." In this context, 'by' is used to specify the deadline by which the profits had increased.

  • Of: This preposition is used to indicate 'belonging to' or 'associated with'. Example: "The percentage of people favoring the new policy has increased." Here, 'of' is used to associate the percentage with people favoring the new policy.

  • Over: This preposition indicates 'during the course of' or 'throughout'. Example: "Over the last five years, there has been a gradual decline in profits." Here, 'over' is used to indicate that the decline happened throughout the last five years.

  • During: This preposition indicates actions or events happening at some point within a particular period of time. Example: "During the summer, sales increased by 15%." Here, 'during' is used to indicate that the increase happened at some point within the summer season.

  • Until/Till: These prepositions are used to refer to a period of time up until a particular point in time. Example: "Until April, the company had experienced steady growth." Here, 'until' is used to indicate that the period of time ended at April.

These prepositions are essential when describing statistics or trends and should be mastered by all who wish to effectively communicate their data in English.

Remember, learning how to correctly use these prepositions will help you accurately describe your statistical information in an an easily understandable way.

Key prepositions used when describing statistics

X% of something

  • Only 12% of students said that they were satisfied with the school cafeteria food.

betwen X and Y

  • The number of participants increased significantly between the ages of 20 and 30.
  • If we analyze the data regarding the income disparity between doctors and teachers, a striking contrast becomes evident.

the figure / percentage / total for a group or category

  • Looking at the statistics for the current quarter, the total figure for sales was impressive.
  • If we compare the graduation rates for public and private schools, we can see a significant difference in the percentage of students who go on to pursue higher education.
  • When we examine the crime rates for urban and rural areas, there is a noticeable difference in the total number of reported incidents.

an increase / decrease in something

  • There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people biking to work in the last five years.
  • The company saw a slight decrease in profits after launching their new product.

by X%, Y times, Z degrees

  • The temperature rose by 2 degrees Celsius over the weekend.
  • Revenue increased by 12% this quarter.
  • The number of people attending the event tripled since last year.

at a level / rate

  • The water in the pool is at an optimal level for swimming.
  • You can now purchase items at discounted rates during the holiday sale.

be highest / come top / rank second with X

  • Out of all the sports, football was the highest with 68% of the vote.
  • The restaurant ranks first in the city with 5-star reviews for its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service.
  • In the recent survey conducted on customer satisfaction, our delivery service came top with a 90% approval rating.

Other Ways to Describe Statistics in English

When talking about statistical data, it's important to use a variety of words and phrases to accurately describe the information. Here are some additional ways to describe statistics or trends in English:

  • Rise/Increase/Grow/Soar: All these words refer to an increase (upward movement) in a particular statistic. Example: "Sales have risen by 10% this year."

  • Fall/Decrease/Decline/Plummet: All these words refer to a decrease (downward movement) in a particular statistic. Example: "The profits have fallen by 5% since last month."

  • Level Off: This phrase indicates that a statistic has stopped increasing or decreasing and has remained constant. Example: "The number of patients has levelled off over the last few months."

  • Remain Steady/Stable/Constant: All these words indicate that a statistic has not changed significantly during a particular time period. Example: "The company's market share has remained steady for the last five years."

  • Fluctuate/Vary: These words refer to when a statistic changes in an unpredictable way. Example: "The temperature varied significantly over the course of the month."
  • Spike: This word refers to a sudden and dramatic increase in a particular statistic. Example: "There was a spike in online sales during the holiday season."

  • Plateau: This word refers to when a statistic reaches a peak and then stops increasing. Example: "The company's profits have reached a plateau in recent months."

By using different words and phrases, you can effectively capture and communicate your data in English. Utilizing these words will help you accurately portray your statistical information in a concise and engaging way.

Furthermore, when describing data, it is helpful to use words that indicate magnitude such as 'slight', 'substantial' or 'significant'. This will provide readers with an indication of how significant the changes are. Example: "The company saw a slight decrease in profits last month."

Finally, when describing the data in tables and graphs, it's important to note any patterns or trends that are present. For example, you could say:

  • "The graph shows a steady increase in online sales from 2018 to 2023"
  • "The table indicates a sharp decline in profits during the fourth quarter."

These phrases demonstrate an understanding of the data which is essential for effective communication.

By using a variety of words, phrases and expressions to accurately describe statistical data, you can make your message more impactful and memorable. This will help readers to better understand and interpret the information presented in an engaging way.

Final Thoughts

Understanding prepositions and other ways to effectively describe statistics is essential for conveying data in English. With practice, you can become an expert at communicating statistical information in a concise and engaging way. This will help you to accurately showcase your data for any audience or purpose.


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