cannot be estimated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be estimated" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that the amount or size of something is too uncertain or difficult to measure. For example: "The exact economic impact of the pandemic on the economy cannot be estimated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These last are of a value that cannot be estimated.

The New Yorker

The prediction interval cannot be estimated unless the probability distribution of cost is known.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

However, depth cannot be estimated reliably in the robot's heading direction.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

In such rooms, generally, the RT cannot be estimated accurately by using conventional reverberation theory.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Furthermore, the development of protest movements cannot be estimated only by the protesters; it also depends on the regime's response.

The Washington Post

Despite the utility of such models, they require that material researchers input system design specifications that cannot be estimated easily.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

The likelihood of occurrence for such unforeseen events cannot be estimated from the observed data or prognosticated by experts.

Structural Safety

Some parameters cannot be estimated using certain study designs, for example, incidence of disease using a cross-sectional design.

Molecular Tools and Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Results of this study demonstrate that computer exposure during different tasks cannot be estimated solely by computer use duration.

Applied Ergonomics

These models are non-Gaussian and so their parameters cannot be estimated just by fitting a variogram model.

Geoderma

First partial cannot be estimated.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be estimated", ensure that the reason for the inability to estimate is clear to the reader. Providing context strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be estimated" when a rough approximation is possible. Consider using qualifiers like "difficult to estimate accurately" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be estimated" functions as a passive construction indicating an inability to determine a specific value or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various fields where estimations are impossible due to insufficient data or inherent uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be estimated" is a common expression used to indicate the impossibility of quantifying or predicting something due to lack of data or inherent uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in formal contexts such as science and news media. While alternatives like "cannot be quantified" or "cannot be determined" exist, it's important to ensure the phrase aligns with the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to enhance clarity and avoid overstating the impossibility when a rough approximation is achievable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be quantified

Emphasizes the inability to express something numerically.

cannot be measured

Focuses on the lack of tools or methods for physical measurement.

cannot be determined

Highlights the absence of a way to find out the answer or value.

cannot be calculated

Stresses the impossibility of arriving at a value through mathematical processes.

cannot be predicted

Indicates the impossibility of knowing something in advance.

cannot be ascertained

Emphasizes the challenge of discovering something with certainty.

is impossible to estimate

Rephrases the original statement using a different structure and vocabulary.

remains unknown

Highlights the lack of knowledge or information on a topic.

defies estimation

Suggests that something resists being calculated or predicted.

is beyond calculation

Implies that something is too complex or abstract to be computed.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be estimated" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be estimated" when the precise value or impact of something is impossible to determine. For example, "The long-term effects of the policy "cannot be estimated" at this time."

What are some alternatives to saying "cannot be estimated"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be quantified", "cannot be measured", or "cannot be determined" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cannot be estimated" or "cannot be accurately estimated"?

The phrase "cannot be estimated" implies a complete inability to determine a value. If only a precise estimate is impossible, "cannot be accurately estimated" may be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something "cannot be estimated"?

It means there is no reliable way to determine the amount, size, value, or impact of something, often due to lack of data, complexity, or unforeseen factors.