approximate figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximate figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to estimates or rough calculations of numerical data. Example: "The approximate figures for the project's budget indicate that we will need around $50,000 to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

However, they only provide approximate figures with significant uncertainties.

Energy and Buildings

He confirmed the approximate figures during the interview on Monday.

The New York Times

Some provided approximate figures out of concern to avoid identification of the children.

Independent

In approximate figures, Mark's text has 661 verses, more than 600 of which appear in Matthew and 350 in Luke.

Britannica

Approximate figures are also now available for the amounts of water involved in the different stages of the hydrologic cycle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For one thing, in a country where there are no voter rolls, there are not even approximate figures for how many voters there actually are.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Of the approximately 120 proposals, and this is an approximate figure, in the Elementary and Secondary Schools Program, I believe eight of those are collaborative projects of this nature which were funded.

Yale University

If I had to give a very approximate figure, we're talking more than 10-20 sea operations a week.

The Guardian

In the US, the official count was 658,507 dead by the end of 2012 – an approximate figure, despite its ring of precision.

The Guardian

That approximate figure reflects not only the dollars patients and insurance companies spend on the treatment but also — and just as important — an estimate of how effective it is in prolonging life.

The New York Times - Health

"Just give us an approximate figure," they'd say, and the professor would shake her head and cover her crystal ball with a little cozy given to her by one of her previous classes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approximate figures", specify the source or method of estimation to provide context and enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "approximate figures" as exact or definitive. Emphasize their estimated nature to manage expectations and maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximate figures" functions as a noun phrase where "approximate" modifies the noun "figures". It describes numbers or data that are not exact but are close enough for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approximate figures" is a commonly used phrase to refer to estimations or rough calculations. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts, predominantly in Science and News & Media. When writing, remember to specify the source of these figures and avoid presenting them as precise values. Consider alternatives like "estimated values" or "rough estimates" depending on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estimated values

Replaces "figures" with "values", focusing on the numerical representation.

rough estimates

Substitutes "approximate" with "rough" and "figures" with "estimates", emphasizing the lack of precision.

ballpark numbers

Uses a more informal term, "ballpark", to describe the figures as being within a general range.

preliminary data

Replaces the original phrase to emphasize that figures are not final and could change.

estimated amounts

Focuses on the quantity aspect by using "amounts" instead of "figures".

general approximations

Uses "general" to modify "approximations", emphasizing the lack of precision.

close estimations

Highlights the perceived accuracy of estimations, even if they are not exact.

near estimations

Similar to "close estimations" but emphasizes proximity to the actual value.

approximate calculations

Focuses on calculation aspect by using "calculations" instead of "figures".

rough calculations

Synonymous with "approximate calculations" but stresses imprecision.

FAQs

How can I use "approximate figures" in a sentence?

You can use "approximate figures" to refer to estimations or rough calculations, such as: "The "approximate figures" suggest a 10% increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to using "approximate figures"?

Alternatives include "estimated values", "rough estimates", or "ballpark numbers", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "approximate figures" or "exact figures"?

It depends on the context. Use "approximate figures" when you are providing an estimation. Use "exact figures" only when you have precise data.

When is it appropriate to use "approximate figures"?

It's appropriate to use "approximate figures" when precise data isn't available or necessary, such as in preliminary reports or when providing a general overview.