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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
in approximation to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "in approximation to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing a relationship or similarity between two things, but "in approximation to" is better expressed in other ways. Example: "The results were presented in approximation to the expected values, but further analysis is needed."
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
It shows that for 1D isotropic region, the wavelet method results are closest in approximation to the analytical solution than the FD and FE.
Science
Apical surgery in challenging anatomic cases such as the palatal root of the maxillary second molar, fused molar roots, and root ends in approximation to the mental nerve are possible with targeted EMS.
Science
The process involves the reintroduction of Pleistocene megafauna or their closest modern relatives into large tracts of enclosed land, in an attempt to re-establish now-extinct ecosystems in approximation to how they functioned before substantial human interference.
The landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx has made urban Brazilians especially aware of the splendours of their natural environment by replacing the traditional, formal European-style gardens containing imported plants with a profusion of native species in approximation to their natural settings.
Encyclopedias
Therefore, the particle velocity will gradually decrease and reach 0 in approximation to the global best location.
* The information about the age was provided in approximation to anonymise the information.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
Mr Gruevski's nationalist agenda has had some public echoes, such as at a recent basketball game where the Macedonian/FYROM side showed up (video) dressed in (approximations) to the Hellenic hero's dress, shouting provocative cheers.
News & Media
The use of PBMC as target cells in neutralization assays is the closest in vitro approximation to the in vivo situation.
Science
Immunogold labeling of isolated LBs (Figure 3B) and lung tissue sections (not shown) demonstrated that BiP was peripherally distributed in the LB in close approximation to the limiting membrane.
Science
These data suggest that Zn accumulates in large intracellular pools both in close approximation to and distal from the nucleus.
Science
The addition of Mp to the cultured cells resulted in enhanced localization of LAMP-2 in close approximation to vacuoles that contained abundant Mp, showing the localization of Mp with a phago-lysosomal compartment.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "in approximation to", consider whether a more direct alternative like "close to" or "similar to" would improve clarity. Specificity enhances readability.
Common error
Avoid using "in approximation to" in informal contexts. Simpler phrasing often communicates more effectively.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "in approximation to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb by indicating a degree of similarity, closeness, or estimation. Ludwig provides examples where it relates results, locations, or models to expected or real-world values.
Frequent in
Science
57%
News & Media
29%
Encyclopedias
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "in approximation to" is a prepositional phrase indicating similarity or nearness, often in a technical or scientific context. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that more common alternatives like "close to" or "similar to" might improve clarity. Its frequency is uncommon, predominantly appearing in scientific and news sources. Ludwig AI reports that the phrase, although correct, may sound awkward. Consider this when choosing the best phrasing for your context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
close to
Focuses on physical or conceptual proximity without necessarily implying estimation.
similar to
Indicates a general resemblance, without specifying the method of approximation.
approaching
Emphasizes the process of getting closer to a value or state.
roughly equivalent to
Suggests a degree of equivalence, with acknowledgment of potential differences.
in the vicinity of
Highlights spatial or numerical nearness.
on the order of
Used for estimations of magnitude or quantity.
akin to
Suggests a similarity in nature or quality.
resembling
Highlights visual or superficial similarity.
comparable to
Implies a basis for comparison, with potential differences.
in the neighborhood of
Similar to "in the vicinity of", but perhaps slightly less formal.
FAQs
What does "in approximation to" mean?
The phrase "in approximation to" means something is close to or similar to a specific value, condition, or state, often used in technical or scientific contexts.
How can I use "in approximation to" in a sentence?
You can use "in approximation to" to show a similarity or nearness. For example: "The model's prediction was /s/close+to target="_blank" rel="nofollow">close to the actual results, in approximation to the real-world scenario."
What are some alternatives to "in approximation to"?
Alternatives to "in approximation to" include /s/similar+to target="_blank" rel="nofollow">similar to, /s/close+to target="_blank" rel="nofollow">close to, /s/roughly+equivalent+to target="_blank" rel="nofollow">roughly equivalent to, or /s/approaching target="_blank" rel="nofollow">approaching, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
Is it always best to avoid using "in approximation to" in writing?
While not incorrect, "in approximation to" can sometimes sound stilted. Consider whether a more common alternative offers greater clarity and conciseness for your audience.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested