calculated about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculated about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have made an estimate, guess, or speculation about something. For example: "I calculated about how long it would take me to complete the project and determined it would take approximately eleven days."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Altogether, the scientists calculated, about 4,000 tons have been released so far, with an additional 270 tons emitted each year.

The New York Times

The point counts were categorized into eleven 100 nm groups, or layers, depending on their distance from the PV membrane (from layer 1: 0–100 nm to layer 11: > 1 μm) and the volume density of each layer was calculated (about 100 200 points for each band of 100 nm around the PV).

Cellular Microbiology

There was always something a little more calculated about Clarke.

The Guardian - Sport

And there's nothing cold or calculated about the process.

The New York Times

Still, there was something slightly calculated about it all.

The New York Times - Food

There's nothing calculated about doing an eight-hour show of Siddhartha!

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ms. Dobson doesn't seem calculating about whom she evokes.

The New York Times - Arts

For all his endearing, lanky gawkiness, there is something steely and calculating about Lenderking.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Dozoretz said that on the contrary, she had never been calculating about friendships.

The New York Times

INDEED, there is something a bit pat, and certainly calculating, about the whole story.

The New York Times - Books

Where before we'd have been struck dumb with shock about such events, now we are almost calculating about them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calculated about", ensure the context clearly implies an estimation or approximation. If a precise figure is available, use more exact language.

Common error

While "calculated about" is acceptable, avoid stacking approximations. For example, instead of "We calculated about the number of people that would attend", provide a more direct estimate or precise calculation if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calculated about" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating an approximate or estimated calculation. It's commonly used when precision is not critical or when the figure is an educated guess, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "calculated about" is a common and acceptable way to express an estimated or approximate calculation. Ludwig examples show it's frequently used in scientific and news contexts. While generally correct, consider more precise language in formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to communicate a value derived from computation, though not necessarily with exactness. Alternatives like "estimated approximately" or "computed roughly" may offer greater clarity or formality, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estimated approximately

Replaces "calculated" with "estimated" and uses "approximately" instead of "about" for similar meaning.

computed roughly

Substitutes "calculated" with "computed" and "about" with "roughly", keeping a sense of approximation.

figured out around

Uses a more informal tone, replacing "calculated" with "figured out" and "about" with "around".

determined to be in the vicinity of

Offers a formal and precise alternative, indicating a range rather than a single estimated value.

assessed at close to

Uses "assessed" to indicate an evaluation and "close to" to express approximation.

estimated in the neighborhood of

Similar to "estimated approximately" but uses a more descriptive phrase for approximation.

calculated to be roughly

Emphasizes that a calculation was performed, adding "to be" and changing "about" to "roughly".

approximated to be around

Starts with "approximated" to highlight the inexact nature of the calculation.

gauged at approximately

Replaces "calculated" with "gauged", implying a less precise measurement.

reckoned to be nearly

Offers a more old-fashioned and informal alternative using "reckoned" and "nearly".

FAQs

How can I use "calculated about" in a sentence?

You can use "calculated about" to indicate an approximate calculation, as in "The scientists "calculated about" 4,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions".

What are some alternatives to saying "calculated about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "estimated approximately", "computed roughly", or "figured out around", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it more accurate to say "calculated about" or "calculated approximately"?

Both phrases are similar in meaning, but "calculated approximately" might be perceived as more formal and slightly more precise, as it explicitly indicates approximation.

In scientific writing, is "calculated about" appropriate?

While usable, "calculated about" can sometimes be seen as less rigorous in scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "estimated approximately" or providing specific error margins where possible to enhance clarity and precision.