I estimated that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I estimated that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a judgment or calculation about a quantity, time, or value based on available information. Example: "I estimated that the project would take approximately three months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Four years ago, I estimated that there were only 150 guest rooms on the entire island.

The New York Times - Travel

In a previous column, I estimated that most of the south wouldn't recognize gay marriage for at least another 20 to 30 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was not an ordinary embed, and I estimated that the hours I would spend as a potential target were few.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, using some pretty complex math, I estimated that even if I ate feasts like this every night, I would only be emptying the bin every 4.3 days.

The New York Times

I find that figure plausible, because in 2004 I estimated that the GNU/Linux operating system implemented around 100,000 actually patented ideas.

The Guardian - Tech

"I estimated that the tax increase associated with the 1991 excise tax saved sixty-five hundred lives the first year from trauma-related accidents of various kinds.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Food is a major expense for students, so packing my lunch was a no-brainer -- I estimate that saved me at least $5,000 a year.

Huffington Post

I estimate that there were at least 2,000 of us.

The Guardian

I estimate that $500 is now a fair price.

The New York Times

I estimate that I shall be ready to pass final judgment in about 2397.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I estimate that there are between 10,000 to 15,000 same sex attracted Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I estimated that", ensure the basis for your estimation is clear to the reader. Briefly explain the factors you considered to arrive at your conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting an estimate as an exact figure. Instead of saying "I estimated that the project would cost $100,000", consider adding a qualifier like "approximately" or "around" to reflect the inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I estimated that" functions as an introductory clause followed by a subordinate clause. It serves to introduce a statement that is based on an estimation or judgment made by the speaker. Ludwig shows it's a direct way of conveying a calculated assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I estimated that" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to introduce a statement based on a personal assessment or calculation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and shows frequent usage in news, science, and business contexts. When using the phrase, clarity and proper qualification of the estimation are essential to avoid misinterpretation. Consider using alternatives like "I approximated that" or "I calculated that" depending on the level of precision intended. Remember to provide context for your estimation to ensure the reader understands the basis for your conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My estimation was that

A more formal and detached way of expressing the same idea.

I calculated that

Implies a more precise and mathematical approach to the estimation.

I approximated that

Suggests a less precise calculation, more of a rough estimation.

Based on my calculations, I concluded that

More elaborate and emphasizes the reasoning process behind the estimation.

I gauged that

Suggests making an assessment based on observation or intuition.

I judged that

Indicates forming an opinion or assessment based on available information.

I figured that

More informal; suggests arriving at a conclusion through reasoning rather than calculation.

I reckoned that

Informal; similar to "figured that" but with a slightly folksier tone.

I surmised that

Implies a conclusion based on incomplete evidence or conjecture.

I predicted that

Focuses on forecasting a future outcome based on current information.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I estimated that" and "I calculated that"?

"I estimated that" implies an approximate judgment, while "I calculated that" suggests a more precise, mathematical determination. The choice depends on the method used to arrive at the conclusion.

What can I say instead of "I estimated that" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "my estimation was that" or "based on my calculations, "I concluded that"" for a more professional tone.

How accurate should an estimate be when using "I estimated that"?

An estimate's accuracy depends on the context and available data. It's important to acknowledge potential margins of error. Avoid presenting estimates as definitive facts.

Is it appropriate to use "I estimated that" in academic writing?

Yes, but be sure to provide a clear rationale for your estimation. Detail the methodology or assumptions underlying your calculation to maintain academic rigor.