an approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an estimate or a value that is close to, but not exactly, the true value. Example: "The distance to the nearest star is an approximation, as it can vary based on different measurements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(That is an approximation).

The New Yorker

You have an approximation of marriage.

The New York Times

It was an approximation of sobbing.

The Guardian

History is always just an approximation of the past.

The New York Times - Books

Any hotelier can provide an approximation of luxury.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm always tenaciously trying an approximation of normalcy.

The Guardian

It was an approximation to original practice, not a reconstruction.

The Guardian - Books

Buck and Caray have called it an approximation of reality.

The New York Times - Sports

(The company says the locations shown are just an approximation).

The New York Times - Tech

Like previous such efforts, the method gives only an approximation.

The New York Times - Science

Brasilia Brazil is, almost entirely, an approximation, an amiable muddle.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an approximation", clarify the factors that might affect its accuracy. This adds transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an approximation" as a precise value. Emphasize that it's an estimate, not an exact figure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an approximation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes a value or result that is close to but not exactly the true or precise value. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an approximation" is a noun phrase used to indicate that a value is not exact but close to the true value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify the potential sources of inaccuracy. Alternatives include "a rough estimate" or "a close estimate", depending on the intended nuance. Avoid presenting approximations as precise figures to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rough estimate

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the calculation, suggesting a quick, less precise method.

a close estimate

Highlights the relative accuracy of the calculation, indicating it is near the actual value.

a reasonable estimate

Suggests a level of confidence in the approximation, implying it is logical and well-reasoned.

a near likeness

Focuses on similarity, suggesting that something is very similar but not identical to the original.

an inexact measurement

Directly states that the measurement is not precise, suitable when accuracy is not critical.

an educated guess

Implies that the approximation is based on knowledge and experience, rather than pure chance.

a tentative calculation

Highlights the provisional nature of the calculation, suggesting it may be subject to change.

a preliminary assessment

Indicates an initial evaluation or judgment that may be further refined later.

a working model

Implies a practical, functional representation that may not be perfect but serves its purpose.

a ballpark figure

Suggests a very general, non-specific estimate, used when only a rough idea is needed.

FAQs

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

Use "an approximation" when you want to indicate that a value is not exact but close to the actual value. For example, "The estimated cost is "an approximation" of the final expense".

What phrases can I use instead of "an approximation"?

You can use alternatives like "a rough estimate", "a close estimate", or "a reasonable estimate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an approximation" or "an estimate"?

Both "an approximation" and "an estimate" are suitable. "An approximation" may imply a mathematical or scientific context, while "an estimate" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use "an approximation"?

It's appropriate to use "an approximation" when you don't have precise data or when exact calculation is not feasible or necessary. It's common in scenarios involving estimations, predictions, or models.