Calculated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "calculated" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to an action or decision that has been carefully worked out or planned. For example: "The mayor made a calculated decision on how to handle the city's budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Searching for savings at the end of its term in government, Labor said it was indefinitely deferring the already legislated changes because the floating carbon price was forecast to be far lower than originally calculated and families did not need as much compensation.

The Guardian

The social networking site calculated that more than 150m tweets about the Games went out during the fortnight, with more than 80,000 a minute prompted by Usain Bolt's win in the 200m sprint.

The Guardian - Opinion

I then did the same at the end of the task and we calculated that we spent just 8p over the two hours with nothing on".

The Guardian

More than eight in 10 of those who had supported Cameron's party five years ago did so again in this election, according to estimates calculated by Ipsos Mori.

The Guardian

A physicist at Fermilab in Chicago has calculated that an apple fired at such velocity would, if it hit the moon, excavate a crater six miles in diameter.

The Guardian - Opinion

My calculated risk pays off - the cereal is more cinnamon than sugar and goes well with the fruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whether or not he calculated the result of the Birmingham speech in advance - there were few who believed he did not - they were easily calculable and the outcome was ugly.

The Guardian

Dorne, a part of the Seven Kingdoms, sends the second son of its ruling family to attend the upcoming Royal Wedding, as a calculated insult.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The environmental benefit of substituting fossil-fuel power with solar power is real and significant and we calculated that separately.

The Guardian - Opinion

A contractionary fiscal policy – especially one of trying to cut the deficit at a time of depression – is hardly calculated to bring us out of depression, as a succession of GDP figures, including the latest 0.3% decline, have shown.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calculated" to describe a decision or action, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether the calculation was literal (mathematical) or figurative (strategic).

Common error

Avoid using "calculated" when a simpler term like "planned" or "estimated" would suffice. Overusing "calculated" can make your writing sound overly formal or even manipulative.

Linguistic Context

The term "calculated" functions primarily as a past participle of the verb calculate, often used adjectivally. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates something derived from a process of computation or careful planning, as demonstrated by the multitude of examples available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calculated" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a past participle or adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a "Very common" frequency and a neutral register, as derived from its prevalence in "News & Media", it effectively communicates the idea of careful assessment or planning. While alternatives like "computed", "estimated", and "planned" exist, choosing "calculated" appropriately depends on the desired nuance and context. It's essential to ensure the context clarifies if the calculation is literal or figurative to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Computed

Replaces "calculated" with a more technical term emphasizing numerical computation.

Determined

Focuses on the result of the calculation, emphasizing certainty.

Quantified

Focuses on expressing something in numerical terms, a key aspect of calculation.

Estimated

Indicates an approximate calculation, rather than an exact one.

Deliberate

Emphasizes the intentional and thoughtful nature of the action.

Assessed

Implies a careful evaluation leading to a calculated decision.

Planned

Highlights the intentional aspect, similar to "calculated" when used to describe a deliberate action.

Figured out

A more informal way of saying something has been calculated or determined.

Forecasted

Used specifically for predicting future outcomes based on current data.

Premeditated

Suggests a calculation done well in advance, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "calculated" in a sentence?

You can use "calculated" to describe something that has been carefully worked out, like "a "calculated risk"", or to suggest a planned, sometimes manipulative, action, like "a "calculated move"".

What's the difference between "calculated" and "estimated"?

"Calculated" implies a more precise or deliberate determination, often involving numbers or specific data. "Estimated" suggests an approximate judgment or guess.

Which is correct, "calculated result" or "estimated result"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. A "calculated result" comes from a specific computation, while an "estimated result" is an approximation or educated guess.

What can I say instead of "calculated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "computed", "estimated", "planned", or "determined".