Preliminary estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Preliminary estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial calculation or assessment that is subject to change as more information becomes available. Example: "The preliminary estimate for the project's budget is $50,000, but we will refine it as we gather more data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's just a preliminary estimate.

The New Yorker

He cautioned that that was "a very preliminary estimate".

The New York Times

We think the preliminary estimate of Q1 GDP may show zero growth over the quarter.

The Guardian - Business

According to one preliminary estimate, these will show 300,000 more children below the poverty line.

The Guardian

Job creation slowed to a crawl in December, according to the Labor Department's preliminary estimate.

The New York Times

The development corporation said that the preliminary estimate of the memorial site's cost was $350 million.

The New York Times

The reading was identical to a preliminary estimate made a month ago.

The New York Times

One preliminary estimate puts the trial's cost to the host county at $300,000.

The New York Times

Because it was a preliminary estimate, the government offered no details.

The New York Times

The measure was down from a preliminary estimate of 63.2 issued on April 11.

The New York Times

The report comes a day before the government releases its preliminary estimate of economic growth in the first quarter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary estimate", clearly state that the figure is subject to change as more data becomes available to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "preliminary estimate" as a definitive value. Always qualify it with phrases like "subject to revision" or "based on current data" to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary estimate" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies the noun "estimate". It describes the estimate as being in an initial or early stage. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, which show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary estimate" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for indicating an initial approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and business. When using "preliminary estimate", be sure to clarify that the number is subject to change, as it is based on incomplete data. Alternatives such as "initial assessment" or "tentative valuation" can be used to refine the nuance. The phrase is versatile and suitable for a variety of registers, though slightly leaning to a more professional use case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial assessment

Focuses on the evaluative aspect of the early calculation.

Tentative valuation

Highlights the provisional and subject-to-change nature of the estimation, specifically in a valuation context.

Rough calculation

Emphasizes the approximation and lack of precision in the calculation.

Early projection

Suggests a forecast based on limited initial data.

Provisional figure

Underscores that the number is not yet finalized and could change.

Approximate cost

Specifically refers to the cost aspect and its inexact nature.

First approximation

Indicates the estimate is the initial attempt and likely to be refined.

Working figure

Implies the number is currently being used but is subject to revision.

Ballpark number

Emphasizes the imprecision and general nature of the estimate.

Feasibility guesstimate

Combines a basic estimate with an assessment of practical possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "Preliminary estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "Preliminary estimate" when referring to an initial approximation that is likely to be revised, such as: "The "preliminary estimate" for the project cost is $1 million."

What are some alternatives to using "Preliminary estimate"?

Alternatives include "initial assessment", "tentative valuation", or "rough calculation" depending on the context.

Is "Preliminary estimate" formal or informal?

"Preliminary estimate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. However, in very formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "initial assessment".

How reliable is a "Preliminary estimate"?

A "preliminary estimate" should be considered a starting point. Its reliability depends on the available data and methodology used. Always verify if it is subject to revision as more information is gathered.