an approximation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an approximation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when something is being used as a substitute for another thing that is not an exact match. For example: "We used an approximation for the measurements of the room to estimate how much paint we needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This gives us an approximation for (nu^).

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Next, we get an approximation for homomorphisms in these spaces.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Euler's method discretization is an approximation for the derivative while the predictor-corrector method is an approximation for the integral.

Advances in Difference Equations

We should note that the predictor-corrector method is an approximation for the fractional-order integration, however, our approach is an approximation for the right-hand side.

Advances in Difference Equations

It is now necessary to define an approximation for the second boundary condition of (1.2).

Advances in Difference Equations

We obtain an approximation for the spectral distribution of the SCM obtained from windowed data.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Geometric considerations are taken into account when calculating an approximation for t i.

European Transport Research Review

As an approximation for the outage probability, the bounds can be an extremely useful tool.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As a matter of fact, our approach is an approximation for the right-hand side.

Advances in Difference Equations

Let (A ( x ) ) be an approximation for (Gamma ( x+1 ) ) as (xrightarrow infty ).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We also derive an approximation for the maximal temperature for fast or slow reactions.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an approximation for", ensure the context clearly indicates the limitations and potential inaccuracies of the approximation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an approximation for" as an exact value; always acknowledge that it is an estimate with inherent error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an approximation for" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct, signifying a substitute or estimate used in place of an exact value. Examples show its common use in describing models or calculations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

99%

News & Media

0.5%

Formal & Business

0.5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an approximation for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, predominantly within scientific contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to indicate that something functions as an estimate or substitute, rather than an exact representation. To ensure clarity and accuracy, always acknowledge the inherent limitations when using this phrase. While alternatives like "a rough estimate of" or "a close representation of" exist, "an approximation for" maintains a formal and precise tone, making it suitable for academic and technical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rough estimate of

Emphasizes the inexact and preliminary nature of the calculation.

an estimation of

Focuses on the process of arriving at an approximate value.

a close representation of

Highlights how the approximation closely resembles something else.

an inexact calculation of

Highlights how the calculation is not precise or accurate.

a substitute for

Focuses on the idea of one thing replacing another, even if not perfectly.

an assessment of

Suggests a general evaluation rather than precise measurement.

a theoretical model for

Suggests the creation of an explanation for something based on observation and not necessarily factual.

a heuristic for

Indicates a problem-solving approach that is not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect.

a working model for

Highlights how something is in place now but that does not mean it is ready for a final release.

a stand-in for

Implies that something is not ideal but good enough for the circumstances.

FAQs

How do I use "an approximation for" in a sentence?

Use "an approximation for" when you're presenting something as a substitute or estimate, acknowledging it's not exact. For example, "We used "a linear model" as an approximation for the complex system".

What are some alternatives to "an approximation for"?

Alternatives include "a rough estimate of", "an estimation of", or "a close representation of depending on the context".

Is it better to use "approximation of" or "approximation for"?

"Approximation of" typically refers to the act of approximating, while "an approximation for" refers to the result or substitute itself. For example, "calculating the approximation of the value" versus "using an approximation for the measurement".

When is it appropriate to use "an approximation for" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when precision is not possible or necessary, but be sure to acknowledge the limitations of using "an estimate" rather than an exact value.