an estimate of when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an estimate of when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a projected time frame for an event or action. Example: "We are still waiting for an estimate of when the project will be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They did not offer an estimate of when it would be under control.

The New York Times

The press briefing did not provide any new details or even an estimate of when the investigation might be completed.

The Guardian

When asked for an estimate of when the Russia inquiry might wrap up, Mueller responded, "I honestly can't say.

The New Yorker

Crews were out assessing the damage but could not provide an estimate of when people would get power back.

The New York Times

By studying the tortoises' current genetic makeup, the scientists were also able to come up with an estimate of when this genetic bottleneck occurred.

The New York Times - Science

Crews were assessing the damage but could not provide an estimate of when people would get power back, the agency said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The residuals from these models exhibited substantial overdispersion, with an estimate of 3.47 when PM2.5 was included in the model.

Biometrics

We begin with a estimate of C when the ring is formed.

eLife

Given a sample, the regression problem based on Support Vector Machine (SVM) learning is to find a function such that is a good estimate of when a new input is provided.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The Postal Service frequently cannot give customers an accurate estimate of when their mail will be delivered, a government report said.

The New York Times

This equation provides an accurate estimate of when is sufficiently large.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an estimate of when", ensure the context clarifies what event or action the estimate pertains to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an estimate of when" as a definitive promise. Frame it as a projection based on available information, acknowledging potential variations or unforeseen circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an estimate of when" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an object of a verb or preposition, indicating a projected or approximated timeframe for a future event. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an estimate of when" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating a projected timeframe. As noted by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media, and science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies the event in question. While appropriate for formal writing, avoid presenting it as a guarantee. Consider alternatives such as "a projection for when" or "a timeline for when" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a projection for when

Replaces "estimate" with "projection", emphasizing a forecast rather than a calculated approximation.

an anticipation of when

Substitutes "estimate" with "anticipation", highlighting an expectation or prediction.

a timeline for when

Uses "timeline" instead of "estimate", focusing on a schedule or sequence of events.

a forecast for when

Replaces "estimate" with "forecast", suggesting a prediction based on available data.

a timeframe for when

Uses "timeframe" instead of "estimate", emphasizing the duration or period in which something is expected to occur.

an expected date for

Shifts the focus to a specific date, implying more certainty than an estimate.

a predicted time for

Replaces "estimate" with "predicted time", suggesting a calculated prediction of when something will happen.

an approximate time for

Uses "approximate time" instead of "estimate", indicating a less precise prediction.

a rough idea of when

Substitutes "estimate" with "rough idea", conveying a general sense without specific details.

an educated guess as to when

Replaces "estimate" with "educated guess", emphasizing the speculative nature of the prediction.

FAQs

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

Use "an estimate of when" to indicate a projected timeframe for an event or action. For example, "The project manager provided "an estimate of when" the repairs would be completed".

What are some alternatives to "an estimate of when"?

You can use alternatives like "a projection for when", "a timeline for when", or "an anticipated time for" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "an estimate of when" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and conveys a professional tone. However, ensure clarity and precision in the context.

What's the difference between "an estimate of when" and "a prediction of when"?

"An estimate of when" implies a calculation or approximation, while "a prediction of when" suggests a forecast based on available data. The choice depends on the certainty level you want to convey.