gross approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

"gross approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about a rough estimate with a large margin of error. For example, "The gross approximation of the total cost for the project was $10,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It felt possible to outline — if only a crude, gross approximation — the consciousness of a waking animal.

The New Yorker

The elucidation of genetics for athletic ability and for medical conditions that endanger athletes would seem to provide grounds for expansive testing, both in assessing skill (something that is done, but by gross approximation based on performance) and also in protecting athletes from heretofore unperceived harm from disease.

The New York Times

Design equations in modern standards provide a gross approximation of the load bearing resistance of such columns in which the eccentricity is ignored and in order to compensate for this the yield stress and modulus of elasticity are to be determined at maximum temperature.

Thin-Walled Structures

While this is a gross approximation of transmission, clearly transmission remains a substantial cause of incident MDR-TB cases in this setting.

Plosone

This is clearly likely to be a fairly gross approximation, but it is necessary to enable the model to be parameterized; its justification will thus be in the empirical validity and usefulness of the model.

Plosone

However, incomplete knowledge of PQ's active metabolites and their pharmacokinetic profiles means that our model of PQ's killing action is only a gross approximation, and further refinement will be necessary as we learn more about PQ.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We start with software and physical phantoms, which are user-definable and easy to manipulate, but are gross approximations of the in vivo brain.

Diffusion MRI From Quantitative Measurement to In vivo Neuroanatomy

In this context, it should be stated that even in the best, most robustly parameterised microsimulations, gross approximations are made in describing the fabulously complex web of human behaviour, and even they are only attempts to characterise the statistical properties of the system as a whole.

Plosone

Thirdly, we should also consider that the discrete lifestyle categories in which we have classified our population samples (pastoralists, farmers or agro-pastoralists) are rather gross approximations of much more complex subsistence strategies.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

On a structural approach to realism regarding chaos models, one faces the difficulty that strange attractors are at best too gross an approximation to the structure of physical attractors and at worst terribly misleading.

SEP

The net-to-gross ratio provides an approximation of the reservoir quality and might be an indicator of the productive geobodies' connectivity.

Petroleum Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross approximation", consider specifying the context or limitations of the approximation to avoid misleading your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "gross approximation" when a more accurate measurement or calculation is possible. Overstating the precision of a "rough estimate" can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross approximation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a rough or imprecise estimate. It is often used to acknowledge the limitations of a calculation or measurement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross approximation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an estimate that is known to be imprecise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in written English, particularly in scientific or news contexts, to convey a rough estimate with a large margin of error. Related phrases include "rough estimate" and "ballpark figure". While it’s important to use this phrase when precision is lacking, you should be cautious not to overstate its accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough estimate

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the estimation.

ballpark figure

Suggests a very general and imprecise estimation.

crude calculation

Highlights the simplicity and potential inaccuracy of the calculation.

order of magnitude estimate

Focuses on the power of ten rather than a precise value.

back-of-the-envelope calculation

Implies a quick and informal calculation.

preliminary assessment

Indicates an initial and potentially incomplete evaluation.

general idea

Conveys a vague understanding rather than a precise measurement.

high-level overview

Suggests a simplified and non-detailed perspective.

broad brushstroke

Implies a lack of specific details.

rule of thumb

Refers to a practical but not necessarily accurate guideline.

FAQs

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

You can use "gross approximation" to indicate a rough estimate, as in: "The initial budget was a "gross approximation" of the project's costs" or "The model provides only a "gross approximation" of the real-world situation".

What phrases are similar to "gross approximation"?

Similar phrases include "rough estimate", "ballpark figure", and "crude calculation", all indicating a lack of precision in the measurement or estimation.

Is "gross approximation" always appropriate to use?

While grammatically correct, "gross approximation" is best used when acknowledging the inherent imprecision of an estimate. If a more accurate figure is available, it's generally better to use that instead.

How does "gross approximation" differ from a simple "approximation"?

The word "gross" emphasizes the significant degree of imprecision involved, suggesting that the approximation is very rough and may not be highly accurate. A simple "approximation" may imply a higher degree of accuracy.