estimates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "estimates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a numerical calculation of approximate value based on a variety of factors or to talk about calculated guesses. For example: "The researchers estimated that roughly 75% of the population would be affected by the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also follows estimates that the Galilee Basin mines feeding the port would produce enough coal to far outstrip Australia's annual carbon emissions, indicating a climate change contribution of global significance.

The Guardian

According to Hisham al-Hashimi, the Baghdad-based analyst, the Iraqi government estimates that 17 of the 25 most important Islamic State leaders running the war in Iraq and Syria spent time in US prisons between 2004 and 2011.

The Guardian

Labor estimates that the winding back of the concessions would be worth $14bn over 10 years.

The Guardian

Cuadrilla estimates between 0-40% of the total resource.

The Guardian

The bank's analysts said: It is very easy to get carried away with ABF estimates, in our view.

The Guardian - Business

Our estimates and target price are placed under review, but we are comfortable with a buy recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

Previous estimates put the amount of heat accumulated by the world's oceans over the past decade equivalent to about 4 Hiroshima atomic bomb detonations per second, on average, but Trenberth's research puts the estimate equivalent to more than 6 detonations per second.

The Guardian

Chief among these were the figure of 4 million deaths at Auschwitz (based on contemporary Soviet estimates, but later revised to 1.1m) and the failure to establish that Jews were the central target of Nazi persecution.

The Guardian - Film

While the IMF's figures are eyewateringly large, they are, if anything, conservative because they are based on low estimates of the costs of climate change from the US government, which tends to omit many of the largest risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The NRC also cautioned that data collection can vary from country to country, which can affect their estimates.

The Guardian

More than eight in 10 of those who had supported Cameron's party five years ago did so again in this election, according to estimates calculated by Ipsos Mori.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "estimates", clarify the basis of the estimation. Mention the data, methodology, or source used to arrive at the figures to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "estimates" as definitive facts. Use qualifiers like 'approximately', 'roughly', or 'around' to indicate the inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "estimates" is as a plural noun. It refers to numerical calculations of approximate value based on a variety of factors. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "estimates" functions as a plural noun used to convey approximate values or quantities, as determined by Ludwig AI. It is widely used in news, business, and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, it is recommended to specify the data or methodology behind the "estimates". While versatile, remember to avoid presenting "estimates" as definitive facts to maintain accuracy in your writing. The most frequent sources are The Guardian and The Guardian - Business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximations

This term refers to a less precise calculation, often used when exact figures are unavailable.

projections

This alternative implies a forecast based on current trends, often used in business or economics.

assessments

This term is used to emphasize a careful evaluation or judgment, rather than a simple calculation.

calculations

This word stresses the mathematical process of arriving at a result, which may or may not be precise.

valuations

This term implies determining the worth or price of something, often in a financial context.

guesstimates

This informal term refers to a rough estimate based on limited information.

forecasts

This alternative implies a prediction of future events, usually based on data and analysis.

appraisals

This term is used when evaluating something's quality or value, typically by an expert.

ballpark figures

This idiom refers to a very rough estimate, providing a general sense of scale.

informed guesses

This phrase refers to an estimate that's based on a degree of knowledge about the thing that is being guessed.

FAQs

How can I use "estimates" in a sentence?

You can use "estimates" to refer to approximate calculations or judgments. For example, "According to recent "projections", the company's profits will increase next quarter."

What are some words with similar meaning to "estimates"?

Alternatives include "approximations", "assessments", or "projections", depending on the context in which you're using "estimates".

Is it appropriate to use "estimates" in formal writing?

Yes, "estimates" is suitable for formal writing when presenting approximate figures or assessments. In contexts requiring absolute precision, consider using exact figures or stating the range of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "estimates" and "predictions"?

"Estimates" generally refer to current or past figures based on available data, while "forecasts" or "predictions" refer to future events or outcomes.