a low estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

"a low estimate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: "According to a low estimate, the project will cost around $10,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The casualty figure is a low estimate).

The Guardian - Opinion

Personally, I think that's a low estimate.

The New Yorker

Some consumer groups think that is a low estimate.

The New York Times

Christie's sale totaled $83.3 million after a low estimate of $116 million.

The New York Times

A "low estimate" of the current number of annual global deaths is put at 700,000.

The Guardian

"It initially had a low estimate, and we made a strong bid that was far in excess of it.

The New York Times - Arts

But when one of Warhol's works come with a low estimate, collectors jump.

The New York Times

In fact, the Slate number is almost surely a low estimate.

The New York Times

This agreement positioned them to offer "Les Femmes d'Alger" at auction with a low estimate of a hundred and forty million dollars.

The New Yorker

If anything, it's a low estimate, one that doesn't include the associated costs of family members having to alter careers and lives.

The New Yorker

The mere billion dollars of the Hyperloop's estimated six-billion-dollar cost that Musk allots to acquiring land and permits seems a low estimate, at best.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a low estimate", ensure the context clarifies why the estimate is considered low. Providing a rationale enhances credibility and transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "a low estimate" without specifying what it refers to or why it's considered low. Ambiguity can undermine the estimate's validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low estimate" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, providing additional information about it. It indicates that the estimate being referred to is considered to be at the lower end of the possible range. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a low estimate" is a versatile phrase used to qualify numerical values, suggesting they represent a minimum likely outcome. As highlighted by Ludwig, it’s considered grammatically correct and is frequently employed across diverse contexts such as news media, scientific publications, and formal business communication. When using this phrase, provide context to clarify what the estimate refers to and why it's considered low, ensuring clarity and credibility. Consider alternatives such as ""a conservative estimate"" or ""an underestimate"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conservative estimate

Emphasizes caution and a tendency to understate the actual value.

a conservative valuation

Emphasizes the caution and tendency to understate value in an appraisal.

an underestimate

Focuses on the act of estimating too low.

a modest assessment

Highlights the humble or restrained nature of the evaluation.

a restrained assessment

Highlights the humble or restrained nature of the evaluation.

a minimal projection

Implies a forecast that represents the smallest likely outcome.

a reduced calculation

Suggests a deliberate lowering of the computed value.

a deflated figure

Indicates that the number presented is intentionally lower than reality.

a cautious prediction

Highlights the wariness and careful consideration behind the forecast.

a tempered valuation

Suggests a balanced and moderated appraisal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a low estimate" to qualify a number or value, indicating it's likely less than the actual amount. For example, "According to "a low estimate", the project will take six months".

What are some alternatives to saying "a low estimate"?

Alternatives include "a conservative estimate", "an underestimate", or "a modest assessment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to provide a low estimate or a high estimate?

It depends on the situation. "A low estimate" can be useful for setting expectations conservatively, while a high estimate prepares for potential overruns. Transparency about the estimation method is crucial.

What does it imply when something is described as "a low estimate"?

It suggests that the actual value is likely higher than the stated figure. This can be due to various factors, such as incomplete data, conservative assumptions, or a deliberate attempt to understate the potential impact.