a conservative estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conservative estimate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which you estimate something to be smaller than it likely is - you are being "conservative" with your estimation. For example, "That project should take only two weeks - but let's use a conservative estimate of four weeks just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cost the duo and Sony, at a conservative estimate, over a million dollars to produce and promote.

The New Yorker

And that's a conservative estimate".

The New York Times

(A conservative estimate).

The New York Times

But that might be a conservative estimate.

The New York Times

This, he admits, is a conservative estimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a conservative estimate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once more, this is a conservative estimate.

The Guardian

That actually seems like a conservative estimate.

The New York Times

The figure is a conservative estimate.

The Guardian

"That's a conservative estimate," he said.

The New York Times

This could be a conservative estimate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a conservative estimate", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the lower estimation, such as uncertainty or a desire to avoid overpromising. This provides transparency and manages expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a conservative estimate" when you simply don't know the actual value and are making a random guess. A conservative estimate implies some degree of calculation or reasoned judgment, even if it's erring on the side of caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conservative estimate" functions as a noun phrase that serves as an appositive or complement within a sentence. It qualifies another noun (e.g., cost, number, time) by providing a cautious or lower-bound value. Ludwig examples confirm its utility in contexts requiring cautious projections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conservative estimate" is a commonly used phrase to describe a cautious or lower-bound approximation, often employed to manage expectations or account for uncertainty. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. When writing, use this phrase to indicate a reasoned estimation that deliberately errs on the side of caution, and be clear about the reason for the conservative approach. Consider alternatives like "a low estimate" or "a cautious estimation" to refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low estimate

Focuses solely on the numerical value being on the lower end, without necessarily implying caution.

a cautious estimation

Highlights the careful and prudent nature of the estimation process itself.

a modest approximation

Emphasizes that the value provided is an approximation and is relatively small or understated.

an underestimate

Directly suggests the figure is likely lower than the actual value, lacking the broader implications of "conservative".

a tentative figure

Indicates the number is provisional and subject to change but does not suggest in which direction.

a safe guess

Implies less precision and more reliance on intuition to arrive at a lower-bound value.

a ballpark figure

Suggests a rough estimation, suitable for initial assessments or general awareness.

a working assumption

Highlights the practical use of the estimate as a basis for planning and further calculations.

a prudent forecast

Implies the estimate is being used as a forecast, and that caution is being taken, so that it doesn't overestimate

a downward revision

Suggests a previous estimate was adjusted downwards and the resulting value is deemed cautious

FAQs

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

You can use "a conservative estimate" when you want to provide a cautious or lower-bound figure. For example, "A conservative estimate of the project's cost is $1 million, but it could be higher".

What phrases can I use instead of "a conservative estimate"?

Alternatives include "a low estimate", "a cautious estimation", or "a modest approximation", each conveying a slightly different nuance of caution or understatement.

Is it better to provide a conservative or a more precise estimate?

It depends on the situation. A conservative estimate is often preferred when accuracy is uncertain or when managing expectations is crucial. A more precise estimate is suitable when you have reliable data and need to provide a specific figure.

How does "a conservative estimate" differ from "an underestimate"?

While both suggest a figure is lower than the actual value, "a conservative estimate" implies a deliberate choice to err on the side of caution, whereas "an underestimate" might simply indicate a mistake or lack of complete information.