as a close approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a close approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a value or description is nearly accurate but not exact. Example: "The distance from the Earth to the Moon is about 238,855 miles, as a close approximation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Her chapters on Reed's youth vividly portray him as a close approximation of the monster liberals imagine.

The New York Times - Books

It is perhaps not too surprising that, in interviews, Black has tended to come across as a close approximation to his onscreen incarnations.

The Guardian - Film

The data were collected with the variable length chamber filled with 1.3-butanediol, which was used as a close approximation of tissue mimicking phantom.

Ultrasonics

The 1000 hPa level was used for the PCT analysis to compare with the NAM at the same level and as a close approximation of the AO which is computed with sea-level pressure.

Nature

Here, it is shown how a few nonlinear ordinary first order differential equations, which may be solved with standard integration methods, can be used as a close approximation for both dynamic responses and steady state solutions.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

Readers of that well-reviewed first novel, brought as a signal to a waiting reporter, may recognize the Hot Bird as a close approximation of the kind of place Nathaniel, a confused, narcissistic Brooklyn writer, would spend his nights, drinking with his friends discussing "Lolita," relationships and book proposals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It should be precisely the same shade as the real thing--not a close approximation.

Forbes

Since measuring 26 tumor markers may be impractical, we used a classification tree predictor to find a close approximation (referred to as "WGCNA*") of the WGCNA mortality groups.

BMC Cancer

Here, we introduce an alternative reference experiment, designed for larger, deuterated systems, that uses the fastest relaxing component of the longitudinal magnetization as a closer approximation to the equilibrium state for shorter relaxation delays.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

We therefore adopted a modified procedure, requiring greater exhalation force for a shorter period of time, as a closer approximation to the effort of coughing.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

We do what we do as a way to experience these emotions (or, at least, a close approximation thereof).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a close approximation", specify what is being approximated to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a close approximation" when a precise figure is available. If you have the exact number, use it rather than suggesting an estimate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a close approximation" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something is not exact but nearly accurate. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a close approximation" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is nearly accurate but not exact. As per Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in scientific and news contexts, functioning to provide an estimated value or description. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, suitable for professional writing. When employing this phrase, specify what is being approximated to ensure clarity, and avoid using it when precise figures are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually indistinguishable

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, bordering on identical.

nearly identical

Indicates a higher degree of similarity than "as a close approximation".

roughly equivalent

Highlights the equivalence in value or effect.

substantially similar

Highlights the similarity in substance or essence.

almost the same

More informal and direct than "as a close approximation".

a reasonable estimate

Emphasizes the estimation aspect rather than the closeness.

practically the same

Similar to 'almost the same', but slightly more emphatic.

in the vicinity of

Refers to being near a value or location, similar to an estimate.

to all intents and purposes

A more formal way of saying 'virtually' or 'practically'.

a fair representation

Focuses on how well something represents something else, not just closeness.

FAQs

How can I use "as a close approximation" in a sentence?

Use "as a close approximation" to indicate that a value or description is nearly accurate, but not exact. For example: "The model predicted the outcome, as a close approximation of the actual results."

What are some alternatives to "as a close approximation"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly identical", "almost the same", or "roughly equivalent" depending on the context.

Is "as a close approximation" formal or informal?

"As a close approximation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's most common in writing where a degree of precision is expected but not fully achievable.

What's the difference between "as a close approximation" and "as a closer approximation"?

"As a closer approximation" implies that something is improving towards being more accurate, while "as a close approximation" simply states the current state of nearness to accuracy. The first express progression and the second a fixed comparison.