C1 Expression Formal 2 min de lectura

Cross-sectional data showed

Research methodology and reporting expression

Literalmente: Data representing a cross-cut section of a population indicated

Use this to introduce facts gathered from a specific group at one single point in time.

En 15 segundos

  • Describes a 'snapshot' of information taken at one specific time.
  • Used to introduce research findings in professional or academic settings.
  • Signals that your argument is based on evidence, not just opinion.

Significado

This phrase describes looking at a group of people at one specific moment in time. It is like taking a single snapshot of a crowd to see what is happening right now.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Presenting a marketing report

Cross-sectional data showed that our primary users are aged 25 to 34.

Research at that moment showed our main users are 25-34.

💼
2

Discussing public health in a meeting

Cross-sectional data showed a high correlation between sleep and productivity.

A snapshot of data showed sleep and work output are linked.

👔
3

Texting a colleague about a project

The cross-sectional data showed we're on the right track with the pilot group.

The current data says the pilot group is doing well.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

This expression reflects the Western obsession with empirical evidence and 'the snapshot' approach to sociology. It gained massive popularity in the late 20th century as public policy shifted toward data-driven results. In English-speaking corporate culture, using this phrase signals that you are analytical and objective.

💡

Sound like an expert

Use this phrase when you want to stop an argument. It's hard to argue with 'data'!

⚠️

Don't mix your data

Only use this for 'snapshots'. If your data follows the same people for 10 years, use 'Longitudinal data' instead.

En 15 segundos

  • Describes a 'snapshot' of information taken at one specific time.
  • Used to introduce research findings in professional or academic settings.
  • Signals that your argument is based on evidence, not just opinion.

What It Means

Imagine you take a giant photo of everyone in a park. You can see who is eating ice cream and who is jogging. That is cross-sectional data. It shows a 'slice' of life at one exact moment. It does not track people over years. It just says, "Here is the situation today."

How To Use It

You use this phrase to introduce evidence or facts. Start your sentence with Cross-sectional data showed. Then, follow it with a specific finding. For example, Cross-sectional data showed that teenagers prefer texting over calling. It sounds very smart and professional. You are telling your listener exactly where your information came from.

When To Use It

Use this in university essays or business presentations. It is perfect when you want to look credible. If you are arguing a point at work, this phrase is your best friend. It moves the conversation from "I think" to "The evidence says." It works great in news reports too. Use it when discussing trends in health, money, or social habits.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this while ordering a pizza. Your friends will think you have been reading too many textbooks. Avoid it in highly emotional or romantic moments. Saying Cross-sectional data showed I love you is a fast way to end a date. Also, do not use it if you are talking about changes over a long time. That would be 'longitudinal' data instead.

Cultural Background

This phrase comes from the world of statistics and social science. In Western academic culture, we love proof. We value data-driven decisions over gut feelings. Using this phrase shows you respect the scientific method. It became popular as 'Big Data' started running our lives. Now, even bloggers use it to sound more authoritative.

Common Variations

You might hear A cross-sectional study revealed or The data suggests. Some people just say A snapshot of the data showed. In casual offices, you might hear The current numbers show. However, the original phrase remains the gold standard for formal reporting. It carries a weight of authority that simpler versions lack.

Notas de uso

This is a high-level academic and professional expression. It is almost exclusively used in 'Formal' or 'Very Formal' contexts. Using it correctly will significantly boost your perceived authority in English-speaking professional environments.

💡

Sound like an expert

Use this phrase when you want to stop an argument. It's hard to argue with 'data'!

⚠️

Don't mix your data

Only use this for 'snapshots'. If your data follows the same people for 10 years, use 'Longitudinal data' instead.

💬

The 'Data' Pronunciation

In the US, most say 'day-ta'. In the UK, many say 'dah-ta'. Both are correct, so pick one and be consistent!

Ejemplos

6
#1 Presenting a marketing report
💼

Cross-sectional data showed that our primary users are aged 25 to 34.

Research at that moment showed our main users are 25-34.

Used here to define a target demographic clearly.

#2 Discussing public health in a meeting
👔

Cross-sectional data showed a high correlation between sleep and productivity.

A snapshot of data showed sleep and work output are linked.

Establishes a factual basis for a health initiative.

#3 Texting a colleague about a project
💼

The cross-sectional data showed we're on the right track with the pilot group.

The current data says the pilot group is doing well.

Slightly more relaxed but still keeps a professional edge.

#4 Joking with a fellow PhD student
😄

Cross-sectional data showed that 100% of us need more coffee right now.

A quick look at us shows we all need coffee.

Uses formal language for a relatable, funny observation.

#5 Writing a serious academic paper
👔

Cross-sectional data showed significant disparities in income across the regions.

The data from that time showed big differences in regional income.

Standard use in academic writing to report findings.

#6 Explaining a social trend to a friend
🤝

Cross-sectional data showed that people are actually lonelier despite social media.

Research showed that social media hasn't stopped people from feeling lonely.

Used to add weight to a serious conversation about society.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a business presentation.

___ that most customers prefer the blue packaging over the red one.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Cross-sectional data showed

This phrase provides the necessary professional authority for a business setting.

Identify when this phrase is appropriate.

You should use 'Cross-sectional data showed' when you are ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Reporting research findings

This is a technical term used for reporting specific types of evidence.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Cross-sectional data showed'

Casual

Talking to friends about dinner

The numbers say...

Neutral

Internal team update

The latest stats show...

Formal

Academic paper or Board meeting

Cross-sectional data showed...

Where to use this phrase

Cross-sectional data showed
🎓

University Essay

Reporting study results

💼

Business Pitch

Proving market demand

📰

News Article

Describing a social trend

🔬

Scientific Journal

Explaining methodology

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means looking at a 'slice' of a population at one specific time. Think of it like a single photo of a crowd rather than a video of their whole lives.

It is quite formal. You might sound a bit robotic if you use it while chatting with friends at a bar.

No, you can also use indicated, suggested, or revealed. For example, Cross-sectional data suggested a trend.

No, it is very common in business, economics, and sociology too. Any field that uses statistics will use this phrase.

Cross-sectional is a one-time snapshot. Longitudinal follows the same subjects over a long period of time.

Yes! Use shows for current, ongoing facts and showed for research that was completed in the past.

Only if you are texting a colleague about work. Otherwise, it is way too formal for a quick 'hello'.

Not necessarily. It just reports what the data found. You can still follow it with a discussion about the data's limitations.

Using cross-sectional is more precise. it tells the reader exactly *how* the research was conducted.

Yes, it is standard in academic and professional English globally, including the UK, US, and Australia.

Frases relacionadas

Empirical evidence suggests

Information verified by observation or experience.

A representative sample

A small group that accurately reflects the larger group.

Statistically significant

A result that is unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Preliminary findings

Initial results that may change with more study.

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