Mastering Statistics Talk: 10 Essential Phrasal Verbs for ESL Learners in English

For English learners, discussing statistics in English can be a challenging task. To empower you with the language skills needed to communicate effectively in the area of data and analytics, this blog post will explore the ten most important phrasal verbs related to statistics. As your English & U.S. culture coach, as well as intercultural communication trainer, my goal is to not only enhance your language proficiency but also to provide real-life examples that resonate with the nuances of American culture.

1. Break Down (Explain step by step)

Example: Let's break down the survey results to identify key trends.

2. Point Out (Here: highlights)

Example: The report points out a significant increase in user engagement.

3. Rule Out (Exclude)

Example: We can rule out external factors as the cause of the fluctuation in sales.

4. Bring About (Lead to)

Example: The new marketing strategy brought about a 20% increase in website traffic.

 
 

5. Sort Out (Bring order to)

Example: We need to sort out the data discrepancies before presenting the findings.

6. Zero In On (Focus on)

Example: Let's zero in on the specific demographics that show the highest level of interest.

7. Factor In (Include in our calculations/thinking)

Example: Don't forget to factor in seasonality when analyzing sales performance.

8. Play Into (Play a role/ have an effect on)

Example: External factors such as the economic climate play into our forecasting models.

9. Phase Out (Eliminate step by step)

Example: The company decided to phase out the underperforming product line.

10. Hold Steady (Remain the same)

Example: Despite market fluctuations, our customer satisfaction ratings continue to hold steady.

 
 

Real-Life Examples from U.S. Culture:

  • Election Statistics: Discussing the breakdown of voting demographics during a U.S. election and pointing out the factors that influenced the results.

  • Consumer Behavior in Holiday Sales: Analyzing data to zero in on consumer behavior during the holiday season and bringing about marketing strategies to capitalize on trends.

  • Tech Industry Trends: Sorting out statistics to understand the evolving trends in the U.S. tech industry and phasing out outdated technologies.

  • COVID-19 Impact: Examining the data to rule out alternative explanations for the impact of the pandemic on various sectors.

  • Educational Outreach: Holding steady in efforts to improve educational outreach, despite external challenges, and factoring in cultural differences in learning preferences.

Mastering these ten phrasal verbs will undoubtedly enhance your ability to discuss statistics fluently in English. As your English and US culture coach, I encourage you to apply these phrasal verbs in various contexts to enrich your English vocabulary and communication skills. Happy learning!

 
 

If you're interested in discovering how I work with my English coaching clients and experience my unique blend of teaching and coaching that focuses on personal growth and personalized support, don't hesitate to reach out to me at office@lingualinkdc.net or on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/marikekorn. I'm here to help you every step of the way! Feel free to send me a message anytime—I'm always eager to assist you on your language learning journey.

My mission is to help non-native English speakers succeed in the world with English coaching, US culture, and intercultural & cross-cultural training. The world is your oyster!

Marike Korn