as an approximate guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an approximate guide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a rough estimate or general direction on a topic or subject matter. Example: "You can expect the project to take about three months to complete, as an approximate guide."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The panel said: "Since the estimates provided are from studies with many limitations and whose relevance to present-day screening programmes can be questioned, they have substantial uncertainty and should be regarded only as an approximate guide.

Independent

Assuming that bulk Ecoh scales down with nanocluster size similarly for all 14 metals, comparison between the ratios of the energies (ET_max/Ecoh) for each metal can serve as an approximate guide for the dynamics of different metal nanoclusters of similar sizes under the e-beam (Table 1).

Nature

You can use this year (and perhaps past tax years) as an approximate guide.

Forbes

The AFM data contained in Fig. 4 can only be used as an approximate guide to the surface shape under actual growth conditions.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Nevertheless by appropriate scaling of the features, the AFM data can be used as an approximate guide to the surface morphology.

Nanoscale Research Letters

As an approximate guide, our laboratory has successfully used SLiCE with chemically competent E. coli cells that yield >10 CFU/μg of pUC19 DNA [ 44].

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Iron absorption is very difficult to measure in the field and red cell incorporation offers an approximate guide to absorption as well as flux of iron to erythropoetic cells.

Plosone

Clinically measurable characteristics (for instance, tumour size, spread to lymph nodes, distant metastases and histological appearance [tumour grade]) and patient characteristics (such as age and menopausal status) give an approximate guide to tumour behaviour and formed the basis of the earliest prognostic indices.

Breast Cancer Research

The familiar distinction between nouns, adjectives and verbs provides an approximate guide to the philosophical concepts of substance, mode and attribute.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several assumptions involved in this type of calculation, however, make it at best only an approximate guide to design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Existing standard laboratory ranges may only be an approximate guide.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an approximate guide", ensure you clarify the level of precision the user should expect. Highlight that the information provided is not exact, but rather a general indication.

Common error

Avoid presenting information "as an approximate guide" as if it were definitive. Always emphasize the potential for variance and encourage users to seek more precise data when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an approximate guide" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb, to indicate that the information provided serves as a general, rather than precise, reference. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, offering a way to contextualize data or give general directions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an approximate guide" is a phrase used to convey that information is a rough estimation and should not be taken as definitive. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, confirms its grammatical correctness and utility across varied contexts such as science, news, and general writing. It is typically employed to set expectations regarding accuracy. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "as a general indication" in professional settings. Ensure clarity when using it, and highlight the potential for variance. As Ludwig AI also points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English and it can be used when providing a rough estimate or general direction on a topic or subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As a rough estimation

Replaces "approximate" with "rough" and "guide" with "estimation", emphasizing the inexact nature of the assessment.

As a general indication

Substitutes "approximate" with "general" and "guide" with "indication", focusing on the broad, non-specific nature of the information.

For ballpark figures

This is an idiomatic expression for providing a rough estimate, implying a degree of imprecision.

As a rule of thumb

This suggests a practical, non-scientific guideline, often based on experience.

As a preliminary pointer

Replaces "guide" with "pointer" suggesting an initial, tentative direction.

By way of approximation

This phrase uses the noun form of "approximate" to indicate an estimation.

To get in the right area

This informal phrase indicates getting close to an answer without being exact.

As a tentative indicator

Similar to "preliminary pointer", highlighting the provisional nature of the information.

Just to orient you

This phrase aims to provide a basic sense of direction or understanding.

For illustrative purposes

This clarifies that the information is meant to demonstrate or explain, rather than provide precise details.

FAQs

How can I use "as an approximate guide" in a sentence?

You can use "as an approximate guide" to introduce a general estimation or direction. For example, "You can use past tax years "as an approximate guide" to update your tax forms".

What are some alternatives to "as an approximate guide"?

Alternatives include "as a rough estimation", "as a general indication", or "for ballpark figures", depending on the context and the level of precision you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as an approximate guide"?

It's appropriate when you're providing information that is not exact but serves as a helpful starting point or general reference. This is common when dealing with estimates, predictions, or simplified explanations.

Is "as an approximate guide" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable, in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "as a general indication" or "by way of approximation" for a more professional tone. The suitability depends on the specific audience and purpose of the writing.