a rational estimate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rational estimate of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a logical or reasonable assessment of a particular situation, value, or quantity. Example: "After analyzing the data, we arrived at a rational estimate of the project's costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Magnanimity requires a rational estimate of one's proper worth and an acute estimation of one's rank within the social hierarchy.

SEP

This goes beyond a rational estimate of next week's share price, or the price in ten years' time of what a new factory might produce.

The Economist

As the taxonomic affiliations of the UNITE sequences are well-known and -documented, the proportion of times a different taxonomic affiliation is suggested by INSD-even though a conspecific ITS sequence is present therein-represents a rational estimate of the impact of taxonomically compromised annotations in INSD.

Plosone

Furthermore, the aneurysmal wall has been found to be mechanically anisotropic, a factor to be taken into account if a rational estimate of the wall stresses is to be made [ 51].

BioMed Research International

Because drugs are biologically active and may have more than one type of effect, the evaluation of a large number of parameters is necessary in arriving at a rational estimate of potential risk.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For example, in whole-body PBPK models, organ perfusion rates should sum to a biologically rational estimate of cardiac output within the organism.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Being cognisant of the huge challenges in measuring ODA we differed from the G8's MNCH exercise in Table 1 by electing to use a range in our rational estimates of 10% (low and high being +/-5%) to estimate an approximate value.

Human Resources for Health

But we can certainly make rational estimates of the propensity on the basis of the accumulating evidence.

SEP

In recent years, several publications from various research groups have demonstrated the capacity of PBPK models to deliver rational estimates of age-specific PK changes along the developmental age range.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

This process assumes a rational scientific estimation of risks.

The New York Times

These rational estimates followed a process of imputed percentages, mirroring the exercise developed by G8 partners to assess and benchmark ODA for maternal, newborn and under-five child health (MNCH) [ 8].

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rational estimate of", ensure that the estimate is supported by data, evidence, or logical reasoning. Avoid relying solely on intuition or unsubstantiated opinions.

Common error

Avoid presenting an estimate as "a rational estimate of" something without providing the reasoning or evidence that supports its rationality. Back up your claims with justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rational estimate of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, specifying that the estimate is based on reason and logic. It adds a layer of credibility and justification to the assessment being made, as Ludwig AI validates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rational estimate of" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies a logical and reasoned assessment. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary usage in scientific and professional contexts, lending credibility to evaluations by emphasizing their foundation in evidence and analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability, highlighting its role in conveying objectivity. When employing this phrase, ensure that the estimate is indeed supported by data or reasoning to avoid unsubstantiated claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical assessment of

Replaces "rational" with "logical", emphasizing the reasoning process.

a reasoned estimation of

Substitutes "rational" with "reasoned", highlighting the justification behind the estimate.

a sound judgment of

Replaces "estimate" with "judgment", focusing on the evaluation aspect.

a well-founded calculation of

Emphasizes that the estimate is based on solid evidence and careful calculation.

a judicious evaluation of

Highlights the careful and thoughtful nature of the assessment.

a sensible appraisal of

Replaces "estimate" with "appraisal", suggesting a formal evaluation or assessment.

a pragmatic determination of

Highlights the practical and realistic nature of the estimation.

an informed projection of

Emphasizes that the estimate is based on knowledge and understanding.

a considered opinion on

Shifts from an estimate to an opinion, but one that is carefully thought out.

a realistic expectation for

Replaces the idea of estimating with setting realistic expectations instead.

FAQs

How can I use "a rational estimate of" in a sentence?

You can use "a rational estimate of" to describe a logical or reasoned assessment, as in, "The team provided "a rational estimate of" the project's completion date based on available data."

What are some alternatives to "a rational estimate of"?

Alternatives include "a logical assessment of", "a reasoned estimation of", or "a sensible appraisal of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a rational estimate"?

While the term "estimate" implies a degree of judgment, using "rational" emphasizes that the estimate is based on sound reasoning rather than guesswork, and may be useful to underline the approach used.

How does "a rational estimate of" differ from a guess?

"A rational estimate of" is based on evidence and logical analysis, while a guess is typically based on intuition or incomplete information.