an estimate of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an estimate of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to make an educated guess about something based on a set of facts or data. For example, "The accountant provided an estimate of the company's annual profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fat-index estimation also requires an estimate of body volume.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Purely an estimate, of course.

Independent

This is an estimate, of course.

The New York Times

Organizers gave an estimate of 120,000.

The New York Times

It has an estimate of £3,000.

The Guardian - Books

Now it has an estimate of $20 million to $30 million.

The New York Times - Arts

The government earlier gave an estimate of 3,000 deaths.

The New York Times

It carries an estimate of $6 million to $8 million.

The New York Times - Arts

(Later research produced an estimate of about twenty-seven million).

The New Yorker

The sponsors do not have an estimate of its cost.

The New York Times

It is tagged with an estimate of £250 to £350.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an estimate of", clearly state the basis for your estimation to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an estimate of" as a definitive value. Always acknowledge its approximate nature to maintain transparency and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an estimate of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common way to introduce an approximate calculation. It implies that the figure is not exact but is based on available information or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an estimate of" is a commonly used noun phrase to present an approximate value or assessment based on available data. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including scientific writing, news reports, and general communication. To ensure clarity, always acknowledge the approximate nature of the estimate and, when possible, provide the basis for your calculation. This enhances transparency and builds credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximation of

Replaces "estimate" with "approximation", suggesting a less precise calculation.

a rough calculation of

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the calculation.

a projection of

Implies a forecast or prediction based on current data.

an assessment of

Suggests a more thorough and considered evaluation.

a guesstimate of

Combines "guess" and "estimate", indicating a highly informal and approximate calculation.

a ballpark figure for

Provides a very general and approximate value, often used in informal contexts.

an educated guess about

Highlights the speculative nature of the calculation, based on some knowledge or data.

a tentative figure for

Indicates that the figure is subject to change and not definitive.

a preliminary calculation of

Suggests an initial calculation that may be refined later.

a forecast for

Emphasizes predicting a future result using present figures.

FAQs

How can I use "an estimate of" in a sentence?

You can use "an estimate of" when you're providing an approximate calculation or assessment of something. For instance, "The contractor provided "an estimate of the repair costs"".

What's a more formal alternative to "an estimate of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an assessment of" or "a projection of", depending on the context. These alternatives suggest a more thorough or predictive approach.

Is it appropriate to use "an estimate of" in scientific writing?

Yes, "an estimate of" is appropriate in scientific writing when you are presenting approximate values or calculations. Be sure to clearly state the methodology and any assumptions made in arriving at the estimate. However, be careful not to present this as precise measurement. It is a good idea to use qualifiers such as “approximately”, or “about”.

What is the difference between "an estimate of" and "an exact figure for"?

"An estimate of" implies an approximate calculation, while "an exact figure for" indicates a precise and accurate value. Using "an estimate of" is appropriate when precise data is unavailable or unnecessary, whereas "an exact figure for" should be used when presenting confirmed data.