estimate to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "estimate to be" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when someone is making an educated guess or prediction about a certain topic or situation. For example: - "Experts estimate the cost of the project to be around $1 million." - "The population is estimated to be over 10 million people." - "Based on current data, the number of cases is estimated to be higher than previously thought." - "I estimate the time it will take to finish this task to be about an hour." In these examples, the phrase "estimate to be" is used to indicate a projected or estimated value or outcome. It can also be used in formal or academic writing to indicate an approximation or estimation of something.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Outside experts consider that estimate to be fair.

The New York Times

European airlines are complaining about the cost, which they estimate to be €4 billion ($5.4 billion).

The Economist

Mr. Schick added that he believed his estimate to be a conservative figure.

The New York Times

Our losses we estimate to be about $200 million, the biggest single loss we have ever experienced".

The New York Times

Include what you estimate to be the person's interests, background and education, other investments and professional activities, etc.

The New York Times

There is a clear need for an estimate to be produced on migration whenever EU countries accede.

The Guardian

Further, the I.R.S. warns, if it finds the estimate to be unreasonable, the extension will be null and void.

The New York Times

After what I estimate to be 2,000ft of slow-motion chick drops, only two goslings die.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They are also long-lived: researchers have found some that they estimate to be 30 years old.

The New York Times

You are handing over a huge windfall to Royal Mail which we estimate to be worth at least £30 million".

Independent

Although police salaries are not meagre, they are devoured by inflation, which private economists estimate to be 25% and rising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "estimate to be", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis of the estimation, whether it's based on data, expert opinion, or a rough calculation. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "estimate to be" as an absolute fact. Always acknowledge that it is an approximation and may be subject to change or error. Using hedging language can soften the assertion and maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "estimate to be" functions as an infinitive phrase used to indicate a projected or approximated value. As Ludwig AI examples show, it's commonly used to express educated guesses or predictions based on available data or expert opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "estimate to be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression in written English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to convey approximate values or projections across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally considered neutral to professional in tone, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for inaccuracy when using this phrase, presenting it as an approximation rather than an absolute fact. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "estimate to be" to communicate projections with clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate to be

Replaces "estimate" with "approximate", focusing on a less precise calculation.

project to be

Substitutes "estimate" with "project", suggesting a forecast based on current data.

calculate to be

Uses "calculate" instead of "estimate", implying a more rigorous method of determination.

assess to be

Replaces "estimate" with "assess", which indicates a formal evaluation.

gauge to be

Substitutes "estimate" with "gauge", implying an intuitive judgment or measurement.

reckon to be

Uses "reckon" in place of "estimate", suggesting an informal calculation or opinion.

predict to be

Replaces "estimate" with "predict", emphasizing a forecast of a future outcome.

expect to be

Substitutes "estimate" with "expect", showing a belief that something will happen.

figure to be

Uses "figure" instead of "estimate", implying a calculation or understanding of something.

believe to be

Replaces "estimate" with "believe", indicating a personal opinion or conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "estimate to be" in a sentence?

You can use "estimate to be" when providing an approximate value or quantity, like "The project is "estimated to cost" around $1 million" or "The population is "estimated to be" over 10 million people".

What are some alternatives to "estimate to be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "approximate to be", "project to be", or "calculate to be", depending on the level of precision and formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "estimate to be" and "estimated to be"?

"Estimate to be" is often used in a broader sense, while "estimated to be" emphasizes that a specific estimation process has already occurred. For example, "We estimate the cost to be $500" versus "The cost is "estimated to be" $500 based on initial reports".

When is it appropriate to use "estimate to be" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to convey an approximate value or prediction that's based on available information but not entirely precise. Ensure you acknowledge the potential for error and base your "estimate" on credible sources.