Cool MateData vs Evidence vs Figures vs Information
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Data
Evidence
Figures
Information
| Data | Evidence | Figures | Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdeɪtə//🇺🇸 //ˈdeɪtə// | 🇬🇧 //ˈɛvɪdəns//🇺🇸 //ˈɛvɪdəns// | 🇬🇧 //ˈfɪɡəz//🇺🇸 //ˈfɪɡjɚz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | Facts and figures that can be analyzed. | Proof or information that shows something is true. | Numbers or shapes used to represent something. | Facts or details about something. |
| Example | The scientist collected data for her research project. | The detective found important evidence at the crime scene. | The figures in the report show a significant increase in sales. | Can you provide me with more information about the event? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun | |
| Collocations | collect data, analyze data, present data, data protection, data analysis | provide evidence, gather evidence, in court as evidence | financial figures, statistical figures, artistic figures, geometric figures, important figures | accurate, correct, precise, item, piece, bit, contain, have, retain, pertain to something, relate to something, lead to something, provider, service, booth, according to information, for somebody’s information, information about, access to information, the exchange of information, the flow of information |
| Antonyms | opinion, theory | doubt, disbelief, uncertainty | facts, reality | ignorance, uncertainty, confusion |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'data' as only plural; it can be used as singular., Using 'data' as a verb., 'Data' used without context can lead to confusion. | Confusing 'evidence' with 'advise' which has a different meaning., Using 'evidences' as a plural form, which is incorrect., Mixing up 'evidence' with 'evidence of' when describing specific proof. | Confused with 'figures' as in 'people' vs. numerical 'figures'., Using 'figure' incorrectly when referencing plural contexts., Mixing up 'figures' in mathematical and artistic contexts. | Using 'informations' as a plural form., Confusing 'information' with 'data' (data is often raw and unprocessed)., Incorrectly using 'information' as countable. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in science, technology, and business. Not typically used in casual conversation without context. | Used in formal contexts like court or research. Avoid in casual conversations unless specifically discussing proof. | Use 'figures' in both formal and informal contexts when discussing numbers or physical shapes. In statistical or academic discussions, it's common. Avoid using in overly casual settings. | Use 'information' in various contexts, such as academic settings or casual conversation. Avoid using it in overly casual settings where simpler terms like 'facts' might fit better. |
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Frequently asked questions: Data vs Evidence vs Figures vs Information
What's the difference between Data, Evidence, Figures, and Information?
Data: Facts and figures that can be analyzed. Evidence: Proof or information that shows something is true. Figures: Numbers or shapes used to represent something. Information: Facts or details about something.
Can you show an example of each?
Data: The scientist collected data for her research project. Evidence: The detective found important evidence at the crime scene. Figures: The figures in the report show a significant increase in sales. Information: Can you provide me with more information about the event?
Can I use Data, Evidence, Figures, and Information interchangeably?
Not always. Data, Evidence, Figures, and Information are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.