based on incomplete information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on incomplete information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing decisions, conclusions, or actions that have been made without having all the necessary facts or data. Example: "The committee made their decision based on incomplete information, which led to unforeseen consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

As a consequence, one's decision regarding the best model to use will be based on incomplete information about how and where best to use the model.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Greenwald's allegations were "simply wrong" and "based on incomplete information".

The Guardian

They make quick decisions based on incomplete information.

The New York Times - Books

Do you make decisions quickly based on incomplete information?

The New York Times

We must make life-altering decisions based on incomplete information.

The New York Times

Banning live animal circus performances is an ill-considered act based on incomplete information.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In other words, the IS must choose its target based on incomplete context information, a decision-making process under uncertainty.

BMC Systems Biology

They are, understandably, concerned that patients will make ill-informed decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information, or that patients will think DTC genetic testing is more reliable, accurate or complete than it really is.

Forbes

To a certain extent, difficulties collecting the caller information can be mitigated by the experience of the call taker, but nevertheless some interventions are performed based on incomplete or erroneous information.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

The senators' concerns are based on "incomplete or incorrect information," MacKay Jimeson, a Pfizer spokesman, said in an e-mail.

The New York Times - Health

Margot keeps trying to construct an image of Robert based on incomplete and unreliable information, which is why her interpretation of him can't stay still.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on incomplete information", clarify what information is missing and how it might affect the conclusion or decision.

Common error

Avoid presenting conclusions "based on incomplete information" as definitive or certain. Acknowledge the limitations and potential for error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on incomplete information" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It typically describes the foundation or rationale behind a decision, conclusion, or statement, indicating that it was formed without all the necessary facts. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on incomplete information" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe decisions, conclusions, or actions made without having all the necessary facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in formal and neutral contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations and potential for error and be specific about the missing information. Alternatives like "relying on partial data" or "drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

founded on a lack of complete information

Directly states the absence of complete information as the foundation.

relying on partial data

Focuses on the reliance on limited data rather than the information being incomplete.

drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence

Emphasizes the lack of sufficient evidence to support a conclusion.

predicated on limited knowledge

Highlights the limited nature of the knowledge serving as the foundation.

judgments made with limited insight

Focuses on the limitations of understanding when making judgments.

informed by imperfect data

Suggests that the data used had flaws or was not entirely accurate.

assumptions based on limited facts

Emphasizes the reliance on assumptions due to a scarcity of concrete facts.

reasoning with limited insights

Focuses on the limitation of understanding or perspectives available.

calculations with imperfect statistics

Highlights the use of flawed or incomplete statistical data.

operating with partial awareness

Highlights the limited awareness of the situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say a decision is "based on incomplete information"?

It means the decision was made without having all the necessary facts or data. This can lead to uncertainty and potential errors.

How can I improve decisions that are "based on incomplete information"?

Gather more data if possible. If not, acknowledge the limitations and consider multiple scenarios. Using "relying on partial data" and focusing on risk mitigation can also help.

What are some alternatives to saying "based on incomplete information"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence", "predicated on limited knowledge", or "informed by imperfect data".

Is it always bad to make decisions "based on incomplete information"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, waiting for complete information is not feasible or practical. In such cases, it's important to acknowledge the limitations and make the best possible decision with the available data. This is often unavoidable in fields like medicine and emergency response.