accurate within a range of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accurate within a range of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing measurements, estimates, or data that have a degree of variability or uncertainty. Example: "The temperature reading is accurate within a range of plus or minus two degrees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This result may be explained by the imprecision of the ultrasound method used for determining the age of the embryos, which although considered to be the most reliable method, is only accurate within a range of ±5 days.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Manufacturers say the rifle is accurate at a range of up to 2,000 yards, more than a mile.

The New York Times

It is so precise a weapon it is accurate to a range of less than two metres.

The Guardian

To get the most accurate picture, a range of other measures should be reviewed.

Huffington Post

When compared with the direct numerical solution, the double optimally linearized solution is found to be accurate within 4% for a range of radiation conduction and thermal conductivity parameters that are likely to be encountered in practice.

Energy Conversion and Management

Dolphin Imaging's software was determined to be accurate within an error range of +/− 2 mm in the X-axis at most landmarks.

Progress in Orthodontics

The HEGS system used in the present study generated clear and reproducible AFLP profiles within a range of 200 1200 bp, ensuring accurate genotype scoring (Fig.  2).

DNA Research

But its Zelzal II missiles, supplied by Syria and Iran, carry payloads of up to 600kg and are accurate to within 100 metres at a range of 200km.

The Economist

Moreover, to make accurate expression measurements, LOQs need to be in a range of Cp values that are higher than the estimates for gene expression within the intended specimen type.

BMC Genomics

Each Trident missile has a range of up to 7,500 miles and is accurate to within a few feet.

Independent

Although weather radars have a range of about 250 miles, images within 125 miles are considered the most accurate, Mr. Burgess said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying accuracy, clearly define the boundaries of the "range" to avoid ambiguity. For example, state "accurate within a range of plus or minus 5%" instead of just "accurate within a range."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "the data is accurate within a range" without specifying the actual range. Always quantify the range to provide meaningful information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accurate within a range of" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the degree of precision or correctness associated with that noun. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accurate within a range of" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for expressing the precision of data, measurements, or estimates that have an acceptable degree of variation. Ludwig confirms this usage. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in science, news, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the range to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "precise to a degree" or "valid within specific parameters", can provide similar meanings while maintaining a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Correct within a margin of error

Substitutes "accurate" with "correct" and "range" with "margin of error", indicating the allowance for deviation.

Precise to a degree

Replaces "accurate" with "precise" and uses "to a degree" instead of "within a range of", focusing on the level of precision.

Accurate within defined limits

Replaces "a range of" with "defined limits", specifying that the accuracy is constrained by known boundaries.

Accurate to a certain extent

Substitutes "within a range of" with "to a certain extent", indicating a limit to the accuracy.

Close within a tolerance

Replaces "accurate" with "close" and "range" with "tolerance", implying an acceptable deviation from a standard.

Reliable within a spectrum

Uses "reliable" instead of "accurate" and "spectrum" for "range", suggesting a variation where reliability holds.

Valid within specific parameters

Replaces "accurate" with "valid" and "range" with "specific parameters", focusing on the conditions under which the accuracy is true.

Good to plus or minus

Replaces "accurate" with "good" and uses mathematical terms to define the range.

Accurate, subject to variation

Adds "subject to variation" to emphasize that accuracy is not absolute but influenced by other factors.

Accurate, give or take a few

Simplifies the phrase to an informal expression, suggesting slight deviations are acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "accurate within a range of" in a sentence?

You can use "accurate within a range of" to describe data or measurements that have a degree of variability. For example, "The poll results are accurate within a range of plus or minus three percentage points."

What is a more formal way to say "accurate within a range of"?

More formal alternatives include "precise within defined limits" or "valid within specific parameters". These phrases provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Which is correct, "accurate within a range of" or "accurate to a range of"?

"Accurate within a range of" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. "Accurate to a range of" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "accurate within a range of" and "precise to a degree"?

"Accurate within a range of" specifies a measurable interval of possible values, while "precise to a degree" implies a general level of exactness, without necessarily quantifying it. The former is more specific about the extent of potential error or variation.