in close approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in close approximation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is similar but not identical to something else. For example: "This product is in close approximation to the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Results of both approaches are in close approximation.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society

In thin ridges, the buccal and lingual cortices can contact or be in close approximation with very little cancellous bone.

Progress in Orthodontics

It was the perfect exercise in knowing where this hero needed to be; in close approximation with the source material.

Vice

These data suggest that Zn accumulates in large intracellular pools both in close approximation to and distal from the nucleus.

Plosone

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.

Plosone

In addition to mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus reside in close approximation to the nucleus suggesting that these compartments may sequester Zn prior to secretion into milk.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

When kinematic boundary conditions resulted in close approximations of the model-predicted joint contact force to the applied force, variations in predictions of contact parameters were also reduced.

Journal of Biomechanics

The in situ PLA showed that AKT comes into close approximation in vivo, suggesting a physical interaction.

Plosone

These objects were then subjected to a few subdivision steps and the resulting triangle meshes were smoothed out in Brakke's Surface Evolver into close approximations of minimal surfaces.

University of California, Berkeley

Breakfast in Britain, elevenses en route and lunch in a close approximation to heaven: that is the prospect offered by a trip to Ghent.

Independent

This is typically an oval-shaped card with a fly-cable that ends in a close approximation of a lightning port.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in close approximation", ensure that the context clarifies the specific aspect of similarity or closeness you're highlighting. For example, "The copy is in close approximation to the original design in terms of color palette".

Common error

Avoid using "in close approximation" when you intend to convey exactness or equivalence. This phrase implies a degree of difference, however slight. If there is no discernible difference, use "identical" or "equivalent" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in close approximation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs or adjectives to indicate the degree to which something is similar or near to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in close approximation" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies a state of near resemblance without implying exact equivalence. It is most frequently encountered in scientific, academic and news contexts. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness. Remember that "in close approximation" is best suited for situations where you need to convey similarity, but acknowledge that differences exist. Consider the context and desired nuance when choosing between "in close approximation" and alternatives like "nearly identical" or "roughly equivalent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly identical

Focuses on the aspect of almost being the same.

virtually the same

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, almost indistinguishable.

substantially similar

Highlights that the similarities outweigh the differences.

roughly equivalent

Emphasizes the equivalence in value or effect.

in the vicinity of

Indicates a spatial or numerical nearness.

approximating closely

Highlights the act of getting closer to a target value or state.

in rough correspondence

Highlights an agreement in general terms, but not necessarily in detail.

bear a resemblance to

Emphasizes similarity in appearance or characteristics.

not far from

Indicates a limited degree of separation.

coming close to

Highlights the movement toward a near state.

FAQs

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

Use "in close approximation" to describe something that is nearly, but not exactly, the same as something else. For instance, "The estimated cost was in close approximation to the actual expenses."

What's the difference between "in close approximation" and "nearly identical"?

"In close approximation" indicates a similarity with minor differences, while "nearly identical" suggests a higher degree of similarity, almost indistinguishable but technically not the same.

What are some alternatives to using "in close approximation"?

You can use phrases like "substantially similar", "roughly equivalent", or "in the vicinity of" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "in close approximation" formal or informal?

"In close approximation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently seen in academic and professional writing. Terms like "virtually the same" might be more appropriate for informal settings.