a crude calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crude calculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a rough or imprecise estimate or computation. Example: "The engineer provided a crude calculation of the project's costs, which will need to be refined later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

So scientists rely on a crude calculation.

The Economist

If no response is received, the debt is automatically imposed, often using a crude calculation that averages an individual's annual income over Centrelink's 26 fortnightly reporting periods.

The Guardian

The figure was issued by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), derived, using a crude calculation, from a 2014 study on the value of trade passing through the port of Dover.

The Guardian

Look, here's a crude calculation – the variance of the unemployment rate over the previous 10 years: You can see the Great Moderation, which might have led the Fed to believe, circa 2007, that it had this stabilization thing under control.

The New York Times

The paper adds an estimated cost of £4.7bn a year for the Common Fisheries Policy, which it takes from a document by the Taxpayers Alliance ("Britain's independent grassroots campaign for lower taxes"), a large part of which is a crude calculation of the amount of fish caught by EU fishermen other than British ships.

The Guardian

But with the census discredited — a crude calculation by the 1890 census office subsequently indicated that the 1870 Census had undercounted the South's population by 1,260,078 (10 percent of the region's and 3 percent of the nation's population) — the opportunity for a more comprehensive examination of the war's human cost was lost to the political winds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Based on a very crude calculation, this had the effect of increasing benefits by 70% from 1982 to 2004.

Forbes

Using discrete classes for physical activity implies a somewhat crude calculation of health outcomes.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Yesterday, Global Witness published a report, Crude calculations, which analyses the explanations given by the Sudanese government and by the main oil company, CNPC.

The Guardian

For Brash the decision to threaten the consensus may be a crude political calculation to win votes, but the effect may undo the goodwill built up over many years by King and other interlocutors.

The Guardian

This temporary hijacking of a princess's tale by her square-jawed love interest seems like a crude commercial calculation, a sign to the anxious boys in the audience that things aren't going to be too girly, or to Disneyphobes that the studio can bring some DreamWorks-style attitude.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crude calculation", acknowledge its limitations and indicate that it may be subject to revision or further refinement. This manages expectations and maintains transparency.

Common error

Avoid presenting results from "a crude calculation" as definitive or highly precise. Emphasize its approximate nature to prevent misinterpretations and ensure credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crude calculation" functions as a noun phrase, where "crude" modifies "calculation". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It serves to describe the nature of the calculation itself, indicating it is basic and potentially inaccurate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a crude calculation" is a grammatically sound and usable term that describes a basic, preliminary estimate or computation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts. Usage examples show it's frequently found in news and media as well as scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations and avoid presenting it as highly accurate. Consider alternatives such as ""a rough estimate"" or ""a preliminary calculation"" depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rough computation

Similar to "a crude calculation" but uses "computation" instead of "calculation".

a rough estimate

Emphasizes the approximate nature, focusing on estimation rather than the calculation process.

a back-of-the-envelope calculation

Highlights the informality and quickness of the calculation.

an imprecise estimate

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the estimation.

a ballpark figure

Focuses on providing a general range rather than a precise number.

an approximation

Stresses the inexactness and simplification involved.

a preliminary calculation

Indicates the calculation is an initial step, subject to refinement.

a rudimentary calculation

Highlights the basic and undeveloped nature of the calculation.

a simple calculation

Highlights the simplicity of the method of computation

a basic estimate

Focuses on the fundamental aspects of the estimated value

FAQs

What does "a crude calculation" mean?

The phrase "a crude calculation" refers to an estimate or computation that is basic, approximate, and may not be entirely accurate due to its simplicity or the limited data used.

How can I use "a crude calculation" in a sentence?

You might say, "The initial budget was based on "a crude calculation", so expect adjustments as we gather more data."

What's a good alternative to "a crude calculation"?

Consider using "a rough estimate", "a ballpark figure", or "a preliminary calculation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a crude calculation"?

It is appropriate when you need a quick, initial estimate, even if it lacks precision. However, clearly acknowledge its limitations and the potential for inaccuracies.