an approximate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an approximate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an estimation or a value that is not exact. Example: "The cost of the project is an approximate figure, as it may vary depending on several factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there an approximate budget?

The New York Times

Give me an approximate.

The New York Times

Many insects use an approximate approach.

The New York Times - Science

Time to cook up an approximate budget.

The New York Times

So that's an approximate reconstruction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Any route is also an approximate solution.

MIT Technology Review

Give an approximate timeline for the first prototypes.

The New York Times

The payouts offer an approximate equivalent enabling rough comparisons.

The Guardian

Both images have an approximate spatial extent of km2.

Nature

The method is based on an algorithm that iterates an approximate best response operator using an approximate dynamic programming approach.

Stanford University

The college has an approximate enrollment of 3,400.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an approximate" before a noun, ensure the noun is countable. For example, "an approximate number" is correct, while "an approximate data" should be rephrased to "approximate data" or "an approximate amount of data".

Common error

Avoid using "an approximate" when the context requires a precise figure. If accuracy is crucial, invest in obtaining exact data rather than relying on estimations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an approximate" functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is not exact but is a close estimation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase. Examples in Ludwig show it being used to describe things like budgets, timelines, and ranges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an approximate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adjective to indicate an estimation rather than an exact value. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When using "an approximate", ensure it modifies a countable noun and be mindful of situations requiring precise figures. Alternatives like ""a rough estimate"" or ""a ballpark figure"" can be used to add variety, though their connotations may differ slightly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rough estimate

Replaces "approximate" with "rough" and uses "estimate" instead of the adjective form, maintaining the sense of an inexact calculation.

an estimated value

Replaces "approximate" with its synonym "estimated" focusing on the "value" aspect.

a ballpark figure

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of an estimated number, especially for costs or quantities.

a close approximation

Emphasizes the closeness of the estimated result to the actual value.

an educated guess

Suggests that the estimate is based on knowledge and reasoning, but is not precise.

a tentative calculation

Highlights the preliminary and potentially changeable nature of the calculated value.

a working figure

Implies that the number is being used for planning purposes but may be adjusted later.

an indicative amount

Suggests that the number is a guide or indicator, not necessarily an exact total.

a general idea

Shifts from a numerical estimate to a more abstract concept of having a broad understanding.

a rounded number

Focuses on the act of simplifying a number, often by rounding to the nearest whole number or multiple of ten.

FAQs

How can I use "an approximate" in a sentence?

Use "an approximate" to indicate that a value or quantity is not exact but is close enough for a specific purpose. For example, "The recipe calls for "an approximate amount" of sugar."

What are some alternatives to saying "an approximate"?

You can use alternatives such as "a rough estimate", "an estimated value", or "a ballpark figure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an approximate" or "a precise"?

The choice between "an approximate" and "a precise" depends on the level of accuracy you want to convey. Use "an approximate" when you are providing an estimate, and use "a precise" when you have an exact value.

What is the difference between "an approximate" and "an estimation"?

"An approximate" is an adjective describing something that is not exact, while "an estimation" is a noun referring to the process of estimating. For example, "The surveyors provided "an approximate measurement"" versus "Their "estimation was incorrect"".