calculated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been determined or figured out through careful thought or mathematical processes. Example: "The engineer provided a calculated estimate of the project's costs based on the available data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Searching for savings at the end of its term in government, Labor said it was indefinitely deferring the already legislated changes because the floating carbon price was forecast to be far lower than originally calculated and families did not need as much compensation.

The Guardian

The social networking site calculated that more than 150m tweets about the Games went out during the fortnight, with more than 80,000 a minute prompted by Usain Bolt's win in the 200m sprint.

The Guardian - Opinion

I then did the same at the end of the task and we calculated that we spent just 8p over the two hours with nothing on".

The Guardian

More than eight in 10 of those who had supported Cameron's party five years ago did so again in this election, according to estimates calculated by Ipsos Mori.

The Guardian

A physicist at Fermilab in Chicago has calculated that an apple fired at such velocity would, if it hit the moon, excavate a crater six miles in diameter.

The Guardian - Opinion

My calculated risk pays off - the cereal is more cinnamon than sugar and goes well with the fruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whether or not he calculated the result of the Birmingham speech in advance - there were few who believed he did not - they were easily calculable and the outcome was ugly.

The Guardian

Dorne, a part of the Seven Kingdoms, sends the second son of its ruling family to attend the upcoming Royal Wedding, as a calculated insult.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The environmental benefit of substituting fossil-fuel power with solar power is real and significant and we calculated that separately.

The Guardian - Opinion

A contractionary fiscal policy – especially one of trying to cut the deficit at a time of depression – is hardly calculated to bring us out of depression, as a succession of GDP figures, including the latest 0.3% decline, have shown.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calculated" to describe a decision or action, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the calculation was based on quantitative data or strategic consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "calculated" when describing actions intended to appear spontaneous or genuine. "Calculated" implies a degree of premeditation that contradicts spontaneity.

Linguistic Context

The word "calculated" primarily functions as the past participle of the verb "calculate", often used adjectivally. As Ludwig AI explains, it can indicate something determined mathematically or a deliberate, strategic action. In this sense, it describes a state resulting from a prior action of calculation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calculated" is a versatile term frequently encountered in writing, primarily within the realm of News & Media. Ludwig AI's analysis affirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its function as either a past participle or an adjective. Whether describing a mathematically derived result or a carefully planned action, "calculated" conveys precision and deliberation. To ensure accurate usage, remember that this word implies intention and premeditation, making it unsuitable for describing spontaneous events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

computed

Implies a more formal or technical calculation.

estimated

Focuses on approximation rather than precise computation.

determined

Emphasizes the act of finding something out, often through calculation or analysis.

assessed

Suggests an evaluation or judgment after careful consideration.

evaluated

Similar to assessed, but may imply a more formal or structured approach.

figured out

More informal, suggesting a problem-solving approach to finding a solution.

worked out

Similar to figured out, often implying a step-by-step process.

planned

Focuses on the intentional design or arrangement of something, often before execution.

designed

Implies a deliberate creation or adaptation for a specific purpose.

intentional

Highlights the purposeful nature of an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "calculated" in a sentence?

You can use "calculated" to describe something that has been determined mathematically, such as "The engineer provided a calculated estimate." It can also describe a deliberate or strategic action, like "It was a calculated risk."

What are some alternatives to the word "calculated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "estimated", "computed", or "determined". For strategic actions, you might use "planned" or "intentional".

Is it correct to say "the results were calculated"?

Yes, "the results were calculated" is grammatically correct. It means that someone performed a mathematical process to determine the results.

What's the difference between "calculated risk" and "reckless risk"?

A "calculated risk" involves carefully weighing potential outcomes and probabilities before taking action. A "reckless risk", on the other hand, is taken without proper consideration of the potential consequences.