an estimation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an estimation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an approximate calculation or judgment regarding a quantity or value. Example: "The contractor provided an estimation of the project costs, which helped us budget accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An alternative would be an estimation using empirical approaches.

Advances and Applications in Bioinformatics and Chemistry

"It is an estimation.

The Guardian

This could be too stingy an estimation.

The Economist

Sampling is only an estimation technique.

The New York Times

The unemployment rate is an estimation based on a survey.

The Guardian - Business

This, as I see it, is a conclusion that is an estimation based upon a guess.

The New York Times

(The last two categories are an estimation of points surrendered and scored per hundred possessions).

The New Yorker

Hayward analysed the impact on each region to come up with an estimation.

The Guardian

He said an estimation of the cost of rebuilding the cathedral had yet to be made.

The Guardian

He is making an estimation about what the outcome might be of the policies that we are implementing.

The Guardian

I – perhaps rashly – wrote this heading in my diary, above an estimation of how much money I had left.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an estimation", ensure the context clarifies the basis and potential limitations of the approximation. Clearly state any assumptions or methods used to arrive at the estimation to maintain transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an estimation" as a definitive or precise figure. Emphasize its approximate nature using qualifiers like "roughly", "approximately", or "in the range of" to manage expectations and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an estimation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes a process or result of roughly calculating or judging the value or quantity of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an estimation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that signifies an approximate calculation or judgment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, including scientific, news, and business domains. While synonyms like "an approximation" or "an assessment" can be used, it's crucial to clarify the basis and limitations of the estimation to maintain transparency. Be cautious about overstating the accuracy of "an estimation", and use qualifiers to indicate its approximate nature. Its broad applicability and clear meaning make "an estimation" a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximation

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the calculation, focusing on getting close to the true value.

an assessment

Highlights the evaluation aspect, suggesting a more formal or considered judgment.

a calculation

Focuses on the mathematical process of arriving at a value.

a forecast

Specifically refers to predicting future values or outcomes.

a projection

Similar to forecast but often used in a more formal or statistical context.

a rough guess

Indicates a less precise or scientific calculation, relying more on intuition.

an educated guess

Implies a guess based on some knowledge or expertise.

a preliminary figure

Suggests an initial or tentative value that may be subject to change.

a ballpark figure

Indicates a very approximate value, often used in informal settings.

a tentative valuation

Focuses on the process of determining the value of something in an uncertain way.

FAQs

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

You can use "an estimation" to refer to an approximate calculation or judgment, such as, "The engineer provided "an estimation" of the bridge's load capacity."

What's the difference between "an estimation" and "an estimate"?

While often used interchangeably, "an estimation" can sometimes imply a more involved or complex process of arriving at a value compared to "an estimate". However, in most contexts, they are synonymous.

What words can I use instead of "an estimation"?

Alternatives include "an approximation", "an assessment", or "a calculation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide a justification when giving "an estimation"?

Providing some context or justification for "an estimation" enhances its credibility. Explaining the basis for the estimation, even if briefly, helps the audience understand its reliability and potential limitations.