as a broad estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a broad estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a general approximation or rough calculation without precision. Example: "As a broad estimate, we expect the project to take around six months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(The value of each holding is presented as a broad estimate, making precise calculation impossible. Home equity is not included).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As the war and occupation unfolded, however, the MoD made only a "broad estimate" of how many Iraqis were being killed.

The Guardian

The figures are a broad estimate.

The Guardian

The report claims ministers had "unfortunately neglected to provide even a broad estimate of the likely reorganisation costs".

The Guardian

An analogous algorithm, Classifier for Olfactory Receptor Pseudogenes (CORP) [ 43], was previously used to identify 30 SNP variations for which one of the alleles is likely inactive [ 26], with a broader estimate of as many as 135 functionally inactive missense alleles in the reference genome [ 43].

BMC Genomics

These represent general priority areas for REDD+ mitigation, as well as broad estimates of the amount of CO2 that could be saved as a result of successful REDD+ mitigation actions.

Carbon Balance and Management

Both OA-FUNCTION-CAT scales covered a broader estimated scoring range than did the WOMAC.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

A more broad estimate, such as from a societal perspective, might include many elements we did not.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

"They are a broad brush estimate, not certain forecasts".

Huffington Post

It's best to use these numbers as a broad guideline, to what you can expect, rather than a precise estimate.

Vice

The theory is used as a broad guiding device to qualitatively guide the empirical work rather than for providing a precise structure to be estimated.

Journal of Monetary Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a broad estimate", acknowledge the limitations of the calculation and indicate that it might not be entirely accurate. This sets appropriate expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "broad estimate" as a definitive value. Qualify the statement to reflect its approximate nature, preventing potential misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a broad estimate" functions as an introductory phrase or qualifier. It precedes a numerical value or statement, indicating that the information provided is an approximation rather than a precise measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a broad estimate" is a useful qualifier that indicates an approximation rather than a precise figure. Grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, it serves to manage expectations and convey a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase, suitable for scenarios where exactness is not feasible or necessary. Remember to use it judiciously and always qualify the statement to reflect its approximate nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a rough estimation

Replaces "broad" with "rough" emphasizing imprecision.

as a general approximation

Substitutes "estimate" with "approximation" to indicate a less precise calculation.

as a ballpark figure

Uses an idiom to denote an approximate value.

as a rule of thumb

Implies a practical, though not necessarily accurate, method.

as a back-of-the-envelope calculation

Suggests a quick and informal calculation.

as a tentative figure

Highlights the provisional nature of the estimate.

as an order of magnitude

Focuses on the scale rather than the precise value.

as a crude calculation

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the estimate.

as a working figure

Indicates a figure used for initial planning purposes.

as a preliminary assessment

Highlights that the estimate is subject to change.

FAQs

How can I use "as a broad estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "as a broad estimate" to introduce an approximate figure or calculation. For example, "As a broad estimate, we anticipate the project will cost around $50,000".

What are some alternatives to "as a broad estimate"?

Alternatives include "as a rough estimation", "as a general approximation", or "as a ballpark figure".

Is it appropriate to use "as a broad estimate" in formal writing?

While usable, in very formal contexts, consider more precise language if available. Otherwise, ensure the approximate nature is clearly stated. Alternatives like "preliminary assessment" might be more suitable.

How does "as a broad estimate" differ from "as an exact figure"?

"As a broad estimate" implies the figure is approximate, whereas "as an exact figure" suggests it's precise. They are opposites. Use "as a broad estimate" when precision isn't possible or necessary.