a reasonable approximation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable approximation to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing estimates or calculations that are close to a true value but not exact. Example: "The calculated value is a reasonable approximation to the actual measurement we obtained in the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Because any differentiable function can be locally approximated as a straight line, a reasonable approximation to fitting any such curve is to specify a relationship that is piecewise linear, with the magnitude of the linear slope changing at a finite number of change points.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This provides a reasonable approximation to the continuum field of deformation and damage.

Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics

Such a model describes a perfect gas (q.v). and is a reasonable approximation to a real gas, particularly in the limit of extreme dilution and high temperature.

Britannica

Another common presumption is that plug flow is a reasonable approximation to the hydraulic conditions in the wetland.

Ecological Engineering

Rate constant values have been selected so that simulated results are a reasonable approximation to measurements from the experimental system.

Biosystems Engineering

Such a model describes a perfect gas and is a reasonable approximation to a real gas, particularly in the limit of extreme dilution and high temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Compared with the existing multi-target tracking methods, such as the joint probabilistic data association filter (JPDAF) [53], moving horizon estimation [54], various modifications of the Kalman filter [55], or the interior point approaches [56], the DE-MC particle filter leads to a more reasonable approximation to the proposal distribution.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

To a reasonable approximation, then, to believe that P is to regard P as literally true (for complications with this account, see Velleman 2000), whereas to imagine that P is to regard P as fictional or make-believe or pretend, regardless of whether P actually obtains.

SEP

The quirky programme of opera and musical theatre a reasonable approximation to that of the 1860s has been a roaring success.

The Economist

Sequence information was retrieved as follows: For humans we obtained information of the human genome project [28], coding SNPs for each gene were extracted from > 1000 human individuals and were resampled to 20 individuals using binomial sampling which is a reasonable approximation due to the large sample size.

DNA Repair

In summary, more heterogeneity in a regulator (like DNA copy number) may, if Model (3) is a reasonable approximation, lead to more heterogeneity downstream in the transcriptome.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable approximation to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the degree of accuracy and the limitations of the approximation. Be specific about what is being approximated and why the approximation is considered reasonable.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable approximation to" as an exact value. Always acknowledge that it is an estimation and may have limitations. Failing to do so can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable approximation to" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate that it is an estimate or representation that is acceptably close to the actual value or condition. It suggests a level of accuracy that is suitable for the purpose at hand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reasonable approximation to" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that something is acceptably close to a true value or ideal situation, acknowledging that it is not an exact match. This phrase is particularly common in scientific and academic contexts, as exemplified by many usages found in Ludwig, but also sees use in news media and encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, clarity is key, particularly emphasizing the limitations and degree of accuracy in the given context. Avoid overstating the precision of the approximation and acknowledge its inherent uncertainties. Alternatives like ""a close estimate of"" or ""a fair representation of"" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close estimate of

Focuses more on the numerical or quantifiable aspect of the approximation.

a fair representation of

Highlights the accuracy in portrayal or depiction, suitable when discussing models or simulations.

a rough equivalent of

Implies a looser comparison, suitable when high precision is not required.

a working model for

Emphasizes the practical application of the approximation, especially in scientific or engineering contexts.

a reasonable substitute for

Suggests replacing something with an alternative that serves a similar purpose but may not be identical.

a practical estimation for

Focuses on the usefulness and feasibility of the estimation.

an approximate likeness to

Highlights similarity in appearance or characteristics.

a loose interpretation of

Indicates flexibility and a non-strict adherence to the original concept.

a simplified version of

Highlights the act of making something easier to understand or work with, possibly at the cost of some accuracy.

a parallel construction to

Suggests that two things are built or structured in a similar way, without necessarily being identical in all respects.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable approximation to" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable approximation to" when you want to indicate that something is close to, but not exactly, the true value or ideal situation. For example: "The model provides "a reasonable approximation to" the real-world conditions."

What are some alternatives to saying "a reasonable approximation to"?

Alternatives include "a close estimate of", "a fair representation of", or "a rough equivalent of", depending on the level of precision and the context.

Is it better to use an exact value or "a reasonable approximation to"?

If an exact value is available and accurate, use it. Use "a reasonable approximation to" only when an exact value is difficult to obtain or when a simplified representation is sufficient for the purpose.

What does it mean when something is described as "a reasonable approximation to" something else?

It means that it is similar enough to be useful or informative, even though it is not perfectly accurate. It suggests that the differences are small enough not to significantly affect the conclusions or decisions based on it.