an estimated sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an estimated sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a calculated amount that is not exact but is based on available data or assumptions. Example: "The project will require an estimated sum of $50,000 to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

All of the projects declare themselves 'not financially attractive' without CER with an estimated sum of negative results of approximately a half billion US$.

Waste Management

9 The three original all-cause readmission targets, namely AMI, CHF, and pneumonia, have led to >2,000 hospitals being penalized, with an estimated sum of $280 million in penalties.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

These assembled contigs were examined to eliminate redundant small assemblies, and 218 unambiguous contigs with a total of 1.99 Mb sequences were sorted out to represent the sequence of 19 BACs with an estimated sum of 1.86 Mb (Table 1).

BMC Genomics

The leading Russian online recruitment website HeadHunter and private equity investor Digital Sky Technologies have each acquired 20% of Free-lance.ru, an online workplace for freelance specialists not unlike elance.com, for an estimated sum of $0.4 million.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

GrubHub was back in court today for closing arguments around the trial involving Raef Lawson, a former delivery driver for GrubHub, who is seeking a small, estimated sum of $586.56.

TechCrunch

Although Lawson only seeks a small, estimated sum of $586.56, the result of the trial could potentially affect the employment models of companies like Uber, Lyft, Postmates, Caviar, DoorDash and many others.

TechCrunch

Mark Hebert St Ives, Cambridgeshire Let's have a new concert hall for London costed, pro bono, and then distribute the estimated sum for musical education in schools worldwide.

The Guardian - Music

The total number of droplets was estimated summing up all the transient signals.

Analytical Chemistry

Regional population estimates sum to a total of 54 million people in the Americas in 1492, with recent population modelling estimates of 61 million people.

The Guardian

Encouraged, Payless has renewed Ms. Jones's deal, which pays her an estimated annual sum in the low seven figures, for a second year.

The New York Times

One defendant, Osvaldo Garcia, who had amassed about 20 tickets, asked Borris for an estimated lump sum payment he could make.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an estimated sum", ensure that the basis for the estimation is clearly stated or implied to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an estimated sum" as a definitive or exact amount. Clearly indicate that it is an approximation to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an estimated sum" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner (an) followed by an adjective (estimated) modifying a noun (sum). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an estimated sum" is used to refer to an approximate amount, suggesting the figure is not exact but based on calculations or assumptions. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in sources across science and news. While it's considered a somewhat rare phrase, you can ensure clarity by always clearly stating the basis for your estimation. Alternative phrases such as "an approximate amount" or "a projected total" can also be used depending on the context. When using "an estimated sum", make sure you present it as an approximation and avoid stating it as a definitive, exact amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate amount

Replaces "estimated" with "approximate", focusing on the inexact nature of the sum.

a projected total

Uses "projected" to emphasize a forecast or prediction of the sum.

a rough calculation

Highlights the preliminary and inexact nature of the sum.

an anticipated figure

Emphasizes expectation and anticipation of a future sum.

a guesstimate total

Combines "guess" and "estimate" to suggest an informal approximation.

a ballpark number

Emphasizes that the amount is a general indication, not precise.

an assessed value

Focuses on a formal evaluation or appraisal leading to the sum.

a preliminary valuation

Highlights the early and potentially revisable nature of the sum.

a tentative budget

Emphasizes that the amount is a proposed financial plan, subject to change.

an indicative cost

Stresses that the amount is for informational purposes and not binding.

FAQs

How can I use "an estimated sum" in a sentence?

Use "an estimated sum" to refer to an approximate amount, as in "The repairs will cost an estimated sum of $2000."

What are some alternatives to "an estimated sum"?

You can use alternatives like "an approximate amount", "a projected total", or "a rough calculation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "estimated sum" or "approximate sum"?

"Estimated sum" and "approximate sum" are largely interchangeable, but "estimated" often implies a more formal calculation, while "approximate" suggests a less precise figure.

When should I use "an estimated sum" instead of a specific number?

Use "an estimated sum" when the exact figure is not known or is subject to change, but a reasonable approximation is available.