a reasonable estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reasonable estimate" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It indicates an educated or thoughtful guess about a numerical value or amount. Example: "I think a reasonable estimate for the number of attendees at the event would be around 200 people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

seems a reasonable estimate.

The New York Times

One percent is a reasonable estimate.

The New York Times

But now I think that 2030 is a reasonable estimate.

The Guardian

Is that a reasonable estimate, or a reflection of panic?

The New York Times

It's a reasonable estimate," he told the BBC.

The Guardian

A reasonable estimate would be tens of thousands.

The New York Times - Magazine

Around 10m years is generally reckoned a reasonable estimate.

The Economist

However, Bolland accepted the £50m-£55m £50m-£55males suggested by analysts was a reasonable estinate.

The Guardian - Business

About a quarter of a million may be a reasonable estimate.

The New Yorker

Why do we need, at a reasonable estimate, 100,000 fonts in the world?

The Guardian - Arts

Stonewall, a gay rights charity reckon that 5-75-7%s a reasonable estimate".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a reasonable estimate", clearly state the basis for your estimation. Mentioning data sources or assumptions strengthens credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable estimate" as a definitive fact. Qualify it with phrases like "approximately", "around", or "in the vicinity of" to acknowledge its inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable estimate" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies an educated guess. The examples in Ludwig's dataset showcase its versatility in various grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable estimate" is a versatile phrase used to express an informed approximation. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various fields, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and acknowledge the uncertainty inherent in estimations. Alternatives like "a fair approximation" or "an educated guess" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid presenting estimates as definitive facts to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair approximation

Replaces "estimate" with "approximation", focusing on the closeness to the actual value.

an approximate value

Replaces "estimate" with "value", emphasizing the numerical aspect.

a sound judgment

Emphasizes the quality of the decision-making process rather than the numerical result.

an educated guess

Highlights the informed nature of the estimation, implying some level of knowledge.

a rough calculation

Suggests a quick, less precise determination of a value.

a considered opinion

Emphasizes thoughtful deliberation in arriving at the estimate.

a ballpark figure

Implies a broad range rather than a specific number, often used in informal contexts.

a tentative figure

Highlights the provisional and uncertain nature of the estimate.

a working assumption

Focuses on using the estimate as a basis for further calculation or planning.

a preliminary assessment

Focuses on the early stage of evaluation and estimation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable estimate" to indicate an educated guess or approximation. For example, "A reasonable estimate for the project cost is $10,000".

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

Alternatives include "a fair approximation", "an educated guess", or "a ballpark figure", depending on the context and level of formality.

What distinguishes "a reasonable estimate" from "a precise calculation"?

"A reasonable estimate" implies an approximation based on available information, whereas "a precise calculation" suggests a more accurate determination using specific data and methods.

When is it appropriate to use "a reasonable estimate" rather than waiting for exact figures?

It's appropriate to use "a reasonable estimate" when making quick decisions, planning initial budgets, or when precise data is unavailable or difficult to obtain. It provides a working value to guide initial actions.