crude calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crude calculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a rough or approximate estimate that lacks precision or detail. Example: "The engineer provided a crude calculation of the project's costs, which will need to be refined later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

So scientists rely on a crude calculation.

The Economist

But by at least one crude calculation, that is what Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival has become.

The New York Times

If no response is received, the debt is automatically imposed, often using a crude calculation that averages an individual's annual income over Centrelink's 26 fortnightly reporting periods.

The Guardian

The figure was issued by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), derived, using a crude calculation, from a 2014 study on the value of trade passing through the port of Dover.

The Guardian

Look, here's a crude calculation – the variance of the unemployment rate over the previous 10 years: You can see the Great Moderation, which might have led the Fed to believe, circa 2007, that it had this stabilization thing under control.

The New York Times

The simplicity of the solution facilitates its implementation in the industry and curricula for engineers that needs crude calculation methods for thermal calculations, e.g. food science and food technology educations.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Using some crude calculations around workflow and time-motion analysis the CIO calculated the ROI for an iPad in their hospital would be 9 days.

Forbes

Yesterday, Global Witness published a report, Crude calculations, which analyses the explanations given by the Sudanese government and by the main oil company, CNPC.

The Guardian

The irrepressible collaborators bring to their project the high ideals of liberalism and republicanism, but also crude calculations of national advantage and eccentric notions adopted from orientalism, freemasonry, and Saint-Simonianism.

Harvard University

Instead it uses the "women's issue" as a political weapon against the government, making crude calculations about effects of deficit reduction and ignoring the improvements on the other side.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two years on and we all have to agree that the Centre Court's retractable roof is a marvel and an absolute snip at the reported £80m – which, to my crude calculations, is the same as it costs the LTA over a three-year period to get one male and no females into the third round.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crude calculation", clarify the limitations of the calculation, especially in contexts where accuracy is critical. Acknowledge that the result is an approximation and may require further refinement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "crude calculation" as a precise or definitive answer. Ensure the language used reflects the approximate nature of the calculation to prevent misinterpretation or reliance on potentially inaccurate figures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crude calculation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object or subject of a sentence. It refers to an imprecise or approximate estimate. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crude calculation" refers to an approximation that lacks precision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in varied contexts like News & Media and Science, with neutral formality. When writing, clarify its limitations and be careful to overstate its accuracy. Related phrases include "rough estimate" and "approximate calculation". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate calculation

Directly indicates that the calculation provides an approximate result.

rough estimate

Emphasizes the approximation aspect and lack of precision in the initial assessment.

unrefined calculation

Focuses on the lack of improvements and adjustments made to the initial calculation.

back-of-the-envelope calculation

Highlights the informal and quick nature of the calculation, often done without detailed data.

basic calculation

Highlights the simplicity and lack of complexity in the method used for calculation.

preliminary calculation

Focuses on the early stage of the calculation, suggesting it's subject to refinement.

quick calculation

Stresses the speed and lack of thoroughness in the calculation.

ballpark figure

Implies a general sense of the quantity without expecting accuracy.

high-level estimate

Emphasizes that the estimate provides general overview rather than precise details.

order of magnitude estimate

Highlights that the calculation is correct in power of ten, but not in specific value.

FAQs

What does "crude calculation" mean?

A "crude calculation" refers to a rough or approximate estimate that lacks precision and detail. It's often used when a quick, initial assessment is needed without the need for exact figures.

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

It's appropriate when a quick estimate is needed, when data is limited, or when the exact value isn't critical. However, always acknowledge the limitations of a "crude calculation".

What can I say instead of "crude calculation"?

You can use alternatives like "rough estimate", "approximate calculation", or "ballpark figure" depending on the context.

How does a "crude calculation" differ from a precise calculation?

A "crude calculation" is a quick, simplified estimate, whereas a precise calculation involves detailed data and rigorous methods to achieve a high degree of accuracy. A "rough estimate" sacrifices accuracy for speed and convenience.