a modest approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an estimate or calculation that is not exact but is reasonably close to the true value. Example: "The results of the experiment provided a modest approximation of the actual temperature changes over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Knicks have finally become what they envisioned when he was hired: a modest approximation of D'Antoni's old Phoenix Suns, complete with 3-pointers, fast breaks and emphatic Stoudemire dunks.

The New York Times - Sports

Based on these findings, we determined that a classification consisting of 9 categories was sufficient to describe ambient air quality days because it has the benefit of providing a modest approximation of the original data (all R > 0.5 except SO2) and reasonable sample sizes (all day types > 100 days).

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These curated figures, modest approximations relative to national projections, illustrate some of the costs associated with public higher education in the United States.

Huffington Post

A modest improvement on this approximation may be achieved by the extended Maxwell Garnett theory in which the full expansion of a 1 is used to calculate the polarizability [47].

Nano Convergence

For genetic approximation, a polygenic model has been proposed in which a combination of common variants, having individually a modest effect, together contribute to BC predisposition [ 2].

BMC Cancer

Recent analysis indicates a modest genome size for the J. curcas, among Euphorbiaceae members, with an estimated genome size of ~450 Mb that provide an approximation of transcriptome complexity [ 21].

BMC Biotechnology

Take a modest proposal.

The Guardian

I'm a modest actor.

Cornell University

Loretta is a modest prosecutor".

The New Yorker

He was a modest man.

The Economist

Or a modest nest egg.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest approximation" when you want to convey that a figure or calculation is not exact but still provides a useful representation of the true value. This phrase is suitable for academic and professional contexts where precision isn't critical but a general understanding is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest approximation" when the estimate is significantly inaccurate or misleading. If the approximation is far from the true value, consider using phrases like "a wild guess" or "a rough estimate" instead to accurately reflect the level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest approximation" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "approximation". Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest approximation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a value or calculation that is not exact but reasonably close. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage, though its frequency is rare. It appears in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the approximation is indeed modest and that it accurately reflects the level of uncertainty. Consider alternatives like "a reasonable estimate" or "an approximate value" for similar meanings. The sources where the phrase appears are generally authoritative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate value

Directly states the value is not exact but close.

a reasonable estimate

Focuses on the plausibility and acceptability of the estimate.

a slight estimation

Emphasizes the small degree of estimation involved.

a softened estimate

Underscores that the estimation is done moderately.

a rough calculation

Highlights the imprecise nature of the calculation.

a working assumption

Highlights that the approximation is used as a basis for further work.

a tentative figure

Indicates the figure is provisional and subject to change.

a conservative guess

Suggests the estimate is likely to be lower than the actual value.

a ballpark figure

Implies a very rough and informal estimate.

a general idea

Suggests a less precise and more broad understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest approximation" when you want to indicate that a number or value is not exact, but close enough for practical purposes. For example: "The model provides "a modest approximation" of the long-term effects of the policy."

What are some alternatives to "a modest approximation"?

Alternatives include "a rough estimate", "a reasonable approximation", or "an approximate value", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a modest approximation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a modest approximation" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where conveying a degree of uncertainty is important. However, be sure that a general estimate is really sufficient, or an exact measure is required instead.

What is the difference between "a modest approximation" and "a precise calculation"?

"A modest approximation" indicates an inexact figure, whereas "a precise calculation" implies a high degree of accuracy and exactness. Use "a modest approximation" when an estimate is sufficient, and "a precise calculation" when accuracy is essential.