a close approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is nearly accurate or similar to a particular value or concept, but not exact. Example: "The measurements we took were not perfect, but they provided a close approximation of the actual dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the number of counts in a Poisson distribution exceeds approximately 30, a continuous Gaussian distribution provides a close approximation [ 61].

BMC Cancer

A close approximation can be conjured up with Everclear, lemon zest and sugar syrup.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gabelfrühstück (GAH-bel-froosh-took is a close approximation) is not so insubstantial.

The New York Times - Travel

Revolving credit, a close approximation of credit card debt, totaled $939.6 billion in March.

The New York Times

Multiplying the tax by 909.1 will give a close approximation of the price.

The New York Times

Her chapters on Reed's youth vividly portray him as a close approximation of the monster liberals imagine.

The New York Times - Books

Of course, I use the numbers loosely, but they are a close approximation and illustrate the reality of breeding economics.

The New York Times

Instead, Mr Das worked out a way to make a close approximation to the prices that result from the condition.

The Economist

The result is a close approximation of a street-style skating environment, with realistic features like granite and railings.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's somewhat time consuming and tedious," Mr. Molczan said, acknowledging that the precise and methodical activities might seem, to the uninitiated, "a close approximation to work".

The New York Times - Science

It is perhaps not too surprising that, in interviews, Black has tended to come across as a close approximation to his onscreen incarnations.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in technical or scientific writing, clarify the degree of "a close approximation" by specifying the margin of error or the method of approximation used.

Common error

Avoid using "a close approximation" when the estimate is significantly different from the actual value. Always ensure the context justifies the term 'close' to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close approximation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement of a verb. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close approximation" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is nearly accurate or similar, though not perfectly exact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across varied fields. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts and maintains a neutral to formal register. For greater clarity, specify accuracy margins in technical contexts. Alternatives like ""a near likeness"" or ""a rough estimate"" offer nuanced variations. While widely accepted, avoid overstating accuracy to uphold credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good likeness

Similar to "a near likeness", but implies a slightly higher degree of accuracy or quality in the resemblance.

a near likeness

Replaces "approximation" with "likeness", emphasizing similarity in appearance or nature rather than numerical accuracy; it focuses on resemblance.

a rough estimate

Substitutes "close approximation" with "rough estimate", implying a less precise calculation or assessment, more about a quick, high-level evaluation.

an approximate equivalent

Highlights the functional similarity or interchangeability between two things, even if they are not exactly the same.

a close parallel

Highlights similarity in progression, or characteristics. It implies a shared trajectory or comparable features more than a numerical nearness.

a reasonable match

Changes the focus to agreement or correspondence, suggesting that something aligns well, but not perfectly, with a standard or expectation.

a fair representation

Shifts the emphasis to how well something depicts or reflects something else, especially in terms of accuracy and completeness.

a practical substitute

Emphasizes the usability and functionality of an alternative when the original is not available, focusing on utility rather than exact replication.

a working model

Implies the existence of a tool or a prototype that imitates a product or a real-world scenario, possibly in a simplified form.

an informed guess

Moves away from measurable accuracy and towards subjective judgment, suggesting a conclusion based on available information but lacking definitive proof.

FAQs

How can I use "a close approximation" in a sentence?

You can use "a close approximation" to indicate that something is nearly accurate or similar, but not exact. For example, "The model provides "a close approximation" of the real-world scenario."

What are some alternatives to "a close approximation"?

Alternatives include "a near likeness", "a rough estimate", or "a reasonable match", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "close approximation" or "near approximation"?

Both "close approximation" and "near approximation" are acceptable, but "close approximation" is more commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

In what contexts is "a close approximation" typically used?

"A close approximation" is frequently used in scientific research, mathematics, and engineering to describe results that are not exact but are sufficiently accurate for practical purposes. It's also common in everyday language to describe something that is similar to something else.