crude approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crude approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a rough or imprecise estimate of a value or concept. Example: "The scientist provided a crude approximation of the population size based on limited data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

6) Taking the maximum intensity among the set of equivalent reflection in order to approximate the fully recorded refection is a very crude approximation that depends on the chance of recording approximately fully recorded reflections.

eLife

Hence, to a crude approximation, the QCL system can be approximated to be ∼20-fold faster than a hypothetical LA FT-IR system.

Analytical Chemistry

Furthermore, evidence is statistical, it is derived from groups; its application to any individual is a crude approximation.

The Guardian - Books

In software today, says Mr Bass, "we're at a pretty crude approximation of sight only".

The Economist

What we call the Von Neumann architecture is just a very crude approximation of the right way to do computation.

The New York Times - Science

So what you see today at Khan Academy is a very crude approximation of where we'll be in five or 10 years.

MIT Technology Review

It is shown that in this application a crude approximation to the surface Laplacian suffices.

Journal of Computational Physics

If the event files are merged, then the user can make a crude approximation by picking one bad pixel file to be used in further analysis.

Harvard University

"Sharp cutoffs by age, where a person's legal status changes suddenly on some birthday, are only a crude approximation of correct policy," he added.

The New York Times

We emphasize at this point that the 2 × 2 matrix description, which we employed above to illustrate our strategy, constitutes a crude approximation of the full problem as realized in the experiment.

Nature

A "crude approximation," he said in an interview Wednesday, made necessary by the fact that no one had tracked a cohort of new teachers over time to see how long they stayed in the classroom.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crude approximation", acknowledge its limitations explicitly. For instance, state the factors that are not considered or the potential margin of error to manage expectations and maintain transparency.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "crude approximation" as a definitive answer. Emphasize that it's a preliminary or simplified representation to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crude approximation" functions as a noun phrase, where "crude" modifies "approximation". It describes a preliminary or simplified estimation, often used when detailed or precise data is lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crude approximation" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe a simplified or preliminary estimate, acknowledging its inherent lack of precision. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase is neutral to formal in register. When employing "crude approximation", remember to clearly indicate its limitations. Alternatives include "rough estimate" or "simplified model". Be mindful of overstating its accuracy and always contextualize its usage to maintain clarity and manage expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough estimate

Replaces "approximation" with "estimate", implying a less formal calculation.

approximate calculation

Swaps the adjective and noun while maintaining the core meaning.

simplified model

Focuses on the simplification aspect of the approximation.

basic estimation

Replaces "crude" with "basic" indicating a foundational level of estimation.

preliminary assessment

Emphasizes the initial and possibly incomplete nature of the assessment.

back-of-the-envelope calculation

Implies a quick and informal calculation, often done roughly.

ballpark figure

Suggests a rough numerical estimate, often used in business contexts.

order of magnitude estimate

Indicates an estimate that is accurate to the nearest power of ten.

cursory evaluation

Focuses on the superficial or quick nature of the evaluation.

rule of thumb

Suggests a practical, experience-based approximation, not necessarily precise.

FAQs

How can I use "crude approximation" in a sentence?

You can use "crude approximation" to describe a rough estimate or simplified calculation, as in "The initial model was a "crude approximation" of the actual system."

What are some alternatives to saying "crude approximation"?

Alternatives include "rough estimate", "simplified model", or "basic estimation", depending on the context.

Is "crude approximation" a formal or informal term?

"Crude approximation" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to acknowledge its limitations, especially in formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use a "crude approximation"?

It's appropriate to use a "crude approximation" when precise data is unavailable or when a simplified understanding is sufficient for the purpose.