conservative estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

'conservative estimate' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an estimate that is lower than what is likely to be the actual amount. For example: "The company predicted a 10% increase in sales for the year, but that's likely a conservative estimate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's a conservative estimate".

The New York Times

That's a very conservative estimate.

Independent

(A conservative estimate).

The New York Times

But that might be a conservative estimate.

The New York Times

This, he admits, is a conservative estimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a conservative estimate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Profoundly conservative estimate of control, yes?

University of California, Berkeley

Once more, this is a conservative estimate.

The Guardian

That actually seems like a conservative estimate.

The New York Times

The figure is a conservative estimate.

The Guardian

"That's a conservative estimate," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "conservative estimate", ensure the context clearly indicates why the estimate is considered conservative. Providing the basis for the estimate enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "conservative estimate" when the estimate is, in fact, likely to be an exaggeration. It's crucial to ensure that the estimate genuinely leans towards the lower end of potential values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conservative estimate" functions as a noun phrase, where "conservative" modifies "estimate". It describes a type of estimation that is intentionally cautious and likely to be lower than the actual value. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conservative estimate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an intentionally cautious or understated approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of prudence and a desire to avoid overstatement. When employing this phrase, it is important to ensure the context clearly justifies the estimate's conservative nature. Alternatives such as "lower bound estimate" or "cautious estimation" can be used to achieve similar effects, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower bound estimate

Replaces "conservative" with "lower bound" to emphasize the minimum value aspect.

cautious estimation

Substitutes "conservative" with "cautious" highlighting the careful nature of the assessment.

modest approximation

Uses "modest" to suggest a moderate or limited estimate.

understated calculation

Implies the calculation is deliberately presented as less than it might be.

conservative valuation

Specifically refers to the act of assigning a value, emphasizing a prudent approach.

minimum expectation

Focuses on the least favorable outcome one might anticipate.

ballpark figure

An informal way to express an approximate, often rounded, estimate.

rough calculation

Indicates an estimation that may not be precise or refined.

preliminary figure

Denotes an early, and possibly incomplete, estimation.

tentative assessment

Suggests the estimate is not yet firm or conclusive.

FAQs

How can I use "conservative estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "conservative estimate" to describe a cautious approximation of a quantity or value. For example: "The initial cost projection was a "conservative estimate", and the final expenses exceeded it."

What is a situation where a "conservative estimate" is useful?

A "conservative estimate" is useful in budgeting or planning, where it's better to overestimate costs or underestimate benefits to avoid unpleasant surprises. It helps in risk management and setting realistic expectations.

What can I say instead of "conservative estimate"?

You can use alternatives like "lower bound estimate", "cautious estimation", or "modest approximation" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone says, "that's a conservative estimate"?

It means the actual value is likely to be higher than the stated amount. It implies a degree of caution or understatement in the provided figure.