as a useful approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a useful approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a method, model, or calculation that provides a close but not exact representation of a situation or value. Example: "For our calculations, we can treat the distance as a useful approximation to simplify the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In particular, I think most economists view the rational model as a useful approximation, rather than as a precise description of human behavior.

Stanford University

Many would defend utility theory (as well as other aspects of their standard model of behaviour) as a useful approximation, pointing out that exceptions to approximations can always be found.

The Economist

Classical mechanics emerges as a useful approximation to the more fundamental quantum mechanics under suitable conditions.

SEP

Although the results should be interpreted cautiously, they serve as a useful approximation of the sufficient sample size appropriate for modularity analysis.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

(This may not be true because of the likely possibility of overdiagnosis [ 10] and lead times that may exceed 6 years, but it may serve as a useful approximation if the amount of overdiagnosis is small).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A study of 8 11-year-old children in South Africa concluded that although the waist circumference index (waist (cm)/height (m)) was a useful approximation of body fat as measured by DXA scanning, BMI was a more accurate and convenient tool in prepubertal children [ 26].

BioMed Research International

Even using a limited number of contours provides a useful approximation to the 3D face surface.

Computer Vision and Image Understanding

This indicates that a simplified method for determining selectivity for equi-inhibitory quantities of two drugs may provide a useful approximation of the selectivity of drug combinations20,21,22. Methods such as multiplex ELISA, PCR, and gene sequencing allow cost-effective experiments.

Nature

But this is a useful approximation.

Stanford University

So he's taken a useful approximation and made it worse," Wright said.

The Washington Post

Still, the FBI's figures provide a useful approximation of overall gun transactions in this country.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a useful approximation", clarify the limitations of the approximation. State what factors are being ignored or simplified, and under what conditions the approximation is most accurate.

Common error

Avoid presenting something "as a useful approximation" if it's demonstrably false or misleading in the given context. Ensure the approximation provides a reasonable and helpful simplification, rather than a distortion of reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a useful approximation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is being considered or utilized. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used to qualify statements, suggesting a level of simplification or estimation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a useful approximation" serves as a qualifier, suggesting that while a statement or calculation isn't perfectly precise, it's still valuable for practical purposes. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct. The phrase appears more frequently in scientific and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to clarify the limitations and conditions under which the approximation holds true. Some alternatives include "as a practical estimate" or "as a rough estimate", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a practical estimate

Changes 'useful approximation' to 'practical estimate', focusing on the pragmatic aspect of the estimation.

as a rough estimate

Replaces 'useful approximation' with 'rough estimate', implying a lower degree of precision.

as a working model

Substitutes 'useful approximation' with 'working model', suggesting a functional but not necessarily perfect representation.

as a convenient simplification

Replaces 'useful approximation' with 'convenient simplification', highlighting the ease of use.

as a simplified approach

Changes 'useful approximation' to 'simplified approach', emphasizing the simplification aspect.

as a rule of thumb

Substitutes 'useful approximation' with 'rule of thumb', indicating a general principle based on practice.

as a back-of-the-envelope calculation

Replaces 'useful approximation' with 'back-of-the-envelope calculation', emphasizing a quick, informal calculation.

for all practical purposes

Shifts focus from the approximation itself to its functional equivalence.

to a first order

This phrase is more specific to math and science contexts.

within reasonable bounds

Emphasizes the limitation of the approximation with acceptable boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a useful approximation" to indicate that a method, model, or calculation provides a close but not exact representation of a situation or value. For example: "We can treat the data "as a useful approximation" to simplify the problem."

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

Alternatives include "as a practical estimate", "as a rough estimate", or "as a working model", depending on the specific context and level of precision you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you are knowingly simplifying a complex situation to make it more manageable for analysis or calculation, and you want to acknowledge that the result is not perfectly accurate, but still helpful.

Is there a risk of misusing "as a useful approximation"?

Yes, misuse can occur if the approximation is so inaccurate that it leads to incorrect conclusions or actions. It is important to ensure that the approximation remains valid within the specific context.