Describing Line Graphs (4)

Using Verbs and Nouns

So far, we have only used verbs to describe these line graphs but we can also use nouns. We change the adverbs into adjectives.

1. Simple trend

The above graph is quite simple. You can use any of the following adverbs to describe it. Or you can use an adjective and a noun.

• The population rose slowly. There was a slow rise in the population.
• The population rose steadily. There was a steady rise in the population.
• The population rose slightly. There was a slight rise in the population.
• The population rose gently. There was a gentle rise in the population.
• The population rose gradually. There was a gradual rise in the population.

You may want to use both of these constructions in your description in order to avoid repetition of the same structure, or to place emphasis on the subject (population) rather than the verb (rise).

2. Double trend

The above graph is also fairly simple. However, it has two distinct trends so the description needs to mention this.

• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased dramatically. From 2013 to 2016 there was a dramatic increase in the population.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased significantly. From 2013 to 2016 there was a significant increase in the population.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased considerably. From 2013 to 2016 there was a considerable increase in the population.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased rapidly. From 2013 to 2016 there was a rapid increase in the population.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased substantially. From 2013 to 2016 there was a substantial increase in the population.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased markedly. From 2013 to 2016 there was a dramatic increase in the population.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population increased greatly. From 2013 to 2016 there was a great increase in the population.
• After 2016, the population grew more slowly. After 2016, the population growth was slower.

• From 2013 to 2016, the population rose from 10.02 million to 10.63 million. From 2013 to 2016, there was a rise in population from 10.02 million to 10.63 million.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population rose by 0.38 million. From 2013 to 2016, there was a rise in population of 0.38 million.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population rose by 380,000. From 2013 to 2016, there was a rise in population of 380,000.
• From 2013 to 2016, the population rose by 6.08782%. From 2013 to 2016, there was a rise in population of 6.08782 per cent.

• From 2016 to 2021, the population grew from 10.63 million to 10.75 million. From 2016 to 2021, there was a growth in population from 10.63 million to 10.75 million.
• From 2016 to 2021, the population grew by 0.12 million. From 2016 to 2021, there was a growth in population of 0.12 million.
• From 2016 to 2021, the population grew by 120,000. From 2016 to 2021, there was a growth in population of 120,000.
• From 2016 to 2021, the population grew by 1.12888%. From 2016 to 2021, there was a growth in population of 1.12888 per cent.

• Overall, the population went up from 10.2 million to 10.75 million. Overall, there was a growth in population from 10.2 million to 10.75 million.
• Overall, the population went up by 0.73 million. Overall, there was an increase in population of 0.73 million.
• Overall, the population went up by 730,000. Overall, there was a rise in population of 730,000.
• Overall, the population went up by 7.28543%. Overall, there was a growth in population of 7.28543 per cent.

Important Notes

Once again, it is important to note that the above line graph is used to illustrate how to describe the basic information in the graph. But you have to be careful about looking not just at the graph, but also the X and Y axes.

In the above graph (Graph 2 - double trend) the Y axis starts at 9.9 million, not zero. So the increase on the graph looks significant. But the percentage increase over these years is not great. It rises from 10.025 million in 2013 to 10.625 million in 2016. This is a rise of slightly more than 4% (4.1666) over a period of 3 years. So the adverbs we used in the to describe the change in the first part of the second graph (dramatically, significantly, considerably rapidly, ...) are somewhat exaggerated.

If we show the graph with the X axis starting at zero we get a more realistic impression of this increase.

So it is very important when interpreting graphs to be aware of how the data is presented. Not only do you need to look at the title, but also the axes, the units, and whether the scale starts at zero.

See example 3 on the authentic line graph examples page.