Cool MateData vs Evidence vs Facts vs Figures
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Data
Evidence
Facts
Figures
| Data | Evidence | Facts | Figures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdeɪtə//🇺🇸 //ˈdeɪtə// | 🇬🇧 //ˈɛvɪdəns//🇺🇸 //ˈɛvɪdəns// | 🇬🇧 //fæcts//🇺🇸 //fæks// | 🇬🇧 //ˈfɪɡəz//🇺🇸 //ˈfɪɡjɚz// |
| Meaning | Facts and figures that can be analyzed. | Proof or information that shows something is true. | Things that are true or can be proven. | Numbers or shapes used to represent something. |
| Example | The scientist collected data for her research project. | The detective found important evidence at the crime scene. | The facts support our argument clearly. | The figures in the report show a significant increase in sales. |
| 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 | - | - |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | ||
| Collocations | collect data, analyze data, present data, data protection, data analysis | provide evidence, gather evidence, in court as evidence | presents facts, check the facts, facts and figures, stated facts, established facts | financial figures, statistical figures, artistic figures, geometric figures, important figures |
| Antonyms | opinion, theory | doubt, disbelief, uncertainty | fiction, falsehood, lie, myth | facts, reality |
| 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. | Confusing 'facts' with 'opinions'., Using 'fact' in plural form incorrectly., Assuming all information is a fact without verification. | Confused with 'figures' as in 'people' vs. numerical 'figures'., Using 'figure' incorrectly when referencing plural contexts., Mixing up 'figures' in mathematical and artistic contexts. |
| 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 when discussing information that is verifiable. Avoid when talking about opinions or beliefs. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Data vs Evidence vs Facts vs Figures
What's the difference between Data, Evidence, Facts, and Figures?
Data: Facts and figures that can be analyzed. Evidence: Proof or information that shows something is true. Facts: Things that are true or can be proven. Figures: Numbers or shapes used to represent 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. Facts: The facts support our argument clearly. Figures: The figures in the report show a significant increase in sales.
Can I use Data, Evidence, Facts, and Figures interchangeably?
Not always. Data, Evidence, Facts, and Figures 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.