as a general approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a general approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a rough estimate or a broad calculation that may not be precise but gives a general idea. Example: "As a general approximation, we can say that the project will take about three months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Existing traditional approaches aimed at solving this problem are usually recast as a general approximation problem of a low-rank matrix.

Neural Networks

For this reason, as a general approximation, the serial independence of resra ij differences was assumed.

Journal of Economic Structures

As a general approximation, each α-methyl group lowers log PI of the sodium ion pair by about 0.44 log units.

Analytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even a general approximation of its final location seemed difficult, and Johnson and his caddie looked in several spots.

The New York Times - Sports

Analytical and numerical methods for evaluating the sample shape function are presented, as well as a simple, general approximation valid for small distances.

Chemical Engineering Science

It is recognized as a general procedure for mechanical approximation to all physical problems that can be modeled by differential equation description [6].

Progress in Orthodontics

This program could be used to analyze the TL glow curves by using the traditional first-order kinetics (1OK), second-order kinetics (2OK), general order kinetics (GOK), mixed order kinetics (MOK) and the general approximation (GA) method as well as ITM.

Radiation Measurements

Therefore, the utility-based algorithm presented by the first order Taylor expansion approximation can be treated as a general framework for allocating multi-user shared resources.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As it is developed analytically without any approximation, it could be used as a general expression for FMCW SAIS system.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

He retired in 1955 as a general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Acts as a general helper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a general approximation" when you want to provide a simplified understanding or estimate, making it clear that the statement isn't perfectly precise. This is particularly useful when detailed data is unavailable or unnecessary.

Common error

Avoid using "as a general approximation" when accurate data is readily available. If you have access to precise figures, providing an approximation can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a general approximation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement being made is an estimate or a broad summarization rather than a precise calculation. As per Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a general approximation" is a phrase used to indicate that a statement is a rough estimate or simplification. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is rare. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. Alternatives such as "generally speaking" or "in broad terms" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific context. Use this phrase when providing simplified explanations, but avoid it when precise data is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

A more direct and commonly used alternative, suitable for most contexts.

generally speaking

Focuses on a broad statement or overview, often introducing a simplified perspective.

in broad terms

Similar to "as a general approximation", but emphasizes the lack of specific detail.

roughly speaking

Highlights the inexact nature of the statement, suggesting a lack of precision.

on average

Indicates a statistical tendency rather than a universally applicable rule.

for the most part

Suggests that the statement holds true in the majority of cases, but not necessarily all.

as a rule of thumb

Implies a practical, experience-based guideline rather than a scientifically precise measurement.

by and large

Similar to "for the most part", indicating a general trend with possible exceptions.

more or less

Indicates an approximate or nearly accurate statement, allowing for some degree of variation.

to a certain extent

Acknowledges that the statement is only partially true or applicable.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "as a general approximation"?

Use "as a general approximation" when you want to convey a broad estimate or simplified understanding, especially when precise data is not necessary or available.

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

You can use alternatives such as "generally speaking", "in broad terms", or "roughly speaking" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "as a general approximation" differ from "in general"?

"As a general approximation" explicitly acknowledges the statement is an estimate, while "in general" implies a broader truth or common occurrence without necessarily suggesting imprecision.

Can "as a general approximation" be used in formal writing?

While usable in formal writing, consider if more precise language would be more appropriate. In some cases, a clearer statistical measure or more defined term may be preferred.