initial cost estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial cost estimate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the first approximation of costs for a project or service. For example, "The initial cost estimate for the renovation was higher than expected." Alternative expressions include "preliminary cost assessment" and "first cost projection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Denver was not the first Olympic city to lowball its initial cost estimate.

The Guardian - Sport

But the Congressional Budget Office's initial cost estimate appeared to be a deal-breaker.

The New York Times

The initial cost estimate is more than $100 billion, but it is likely to cost much more.

The New York Times

The initial cost estimate was $10 million, Mr. Farr said, but the expense was probably far higher once additions were made.

The New York Times

The proposal by Mr. Baucus had an initial cost estimate of $774 billion, but that figure will grow as a result of amendments adopted last week.

The New York Times

So initially only 50 to 60 students a year were expected to sign up for the program, and the initial cost estimate was about $3 million a year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Work on Hudson Hills spanned two county administrations, and more than doubled initial cost estimates of $7 million.

The New York Times

Mr. Wood has said in the past said that he always thought the initial cost estimates were artificially low.

The New York Times

All this artistry doesn't come cheap, and the project's initial cost estimates gave Maurer's clients pause.

The New York Times

Nearby residents often object to offshore turbines because of aesthetic concerns, as was the case with the Jones Beach proposal, which also exceeded initial cost estimates.

The New York Times

The history of other entitlement programs, such as Medicare, suggests initial cost estimates often prove overoptimistic, and that could well prove to be true here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context when presenting an "initial cost estimate". For example, mention the project phase, assumptions, and data sources used to derive the figure.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "initial cost estimate" as a definitive budget. Emphasize its preliminary nature and the possibility of changes due to unforeseen factors or scope adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial cost estimate" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the first approximation of expenses related to a project or venture. Ludwig AI examples show it used in various contexts to introduce or refer to preliminary financial projections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial cost estimate" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the first approximation of expenses for a project. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. It's crucial to remember that this estimate is preliminary and subject to change. Alternatives like "preliminary cost assessment" and "first cost projection" offer similar meanings, but it's important to select the most appropriate term based on context. When using this phrase, clearly state the scope and limitations of the estimate. Don't present it as a final budget; emphasize its tentative nature to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary cost assessment

Focuses on the assessment aspect, implying a formal evaluation of initial costs.

first cost projection

Highlights the predictive nature of the initial cost estimation.

initial budget forecast

Emphasizes the budgeting aspect and forecasting of initial costs.

early price estimation

Replaces "cost" with "price" and "estimate" with "estimation", indicating an approximation of price.

projected starting costs

Highlights the beginning stage of costs and their projection.

original cost prediction

Uses "prediction" instead of "estimate", suggesting a more assertive forecast.

preliminary expense forecast

Replaces "cost" with "expense" and "estimate" with "forecast", focusing on expenditure prediction.

initial financial outlook

Broadens the scope to a general financial perspective at the beginning.

initial expenditure plan

Highlights the planning aspect of initial expenses.

base cost approximation

Focuses on the fundamental cost level at the start.

FAQs

How to use "initial cost estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "initial cost estimate" to describe the first approximation of expenses for a project. For example, "The "initial cost estimate" for the building was $1 million, but the final expenses reached $1.5 million".

What can I say instead of "initial cost estimate"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary cost assessment", "first cost projection", or "early price estimation" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "initial cost estimate"?

While "estimate" implies a preliminary calculation, "initial cost estimate" emphasizes that it is the very first calculation, which may be subject to significant change. Using "initial" can add clarity.

How does the "initial cost estimate" differ from the final budget?

The "initial cost estimate" is a preliminary figure, while the final budget incorporates revisions based on detailed planning, risk assessment, and market conditions. The final budget should be more accurate and comprehensive.