initial estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a calculated estimate of something that is subject to change, particularly when that estimate is made at the beginning stages of a project. For example: "We made an initial estimate of how much the project would cost, but it ended up being more expensive than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The overstatement was roughly triple Toshiba's initial estimate.

The Guardian

His advice: Before acquiring another company, cut your initial estimate of business synergy in half.

The New York Times

The reading was unchanged from its initial estimate a month ago.

The New York Times

An initial estimate of 6,000 had become totemic for many people.

The New York Times

On Sunday, the government's initial estimate was that the cyclone had killed 351 people.

The New York Times

That number, though, was an initial estimate provided to calculate the S.E.C. registration fee.

The New York Times

The initial estimate included an inventory reduction of only $7.1 billion.

The New York Times

Their initial estimate was that it had gone down a bit.

The New Yorker

"Economic growth this year has so far been much lower than our initial estimate in December".

The Guardian - Business

Policy charges NU's initial estimate of administrative costs for running his money was 2.3%.

The Guardian - Money

The official added: "The initial estimate for the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace looks like £150m".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an "initial estimate", clearly state that it is subject to change as more information becomes available. This manages expectations and maintains transparency.

Common error

Avoid treating an "initial estimate" as a fixed value. Always qualify it with language that indicates potential for revision, such as "preliminary" or "subject to change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial estimate" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct. It serves to identify a preliminary or starting-point calculation or assessment of a quantity or value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial estimate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that refers to a preliminary calculation or assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and accuracy. It is frequently used in news, media, science, and business contexts to provide a starting point for planning and discussion. When using "initial estimate", it's crucial to manage expectations by clearly indicating that it is subject to change. Alternatives such as "preliminary estimate" or "first estimate" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Always avoid treating an "initial estimate" as a final or fixed value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first estimate

Replaces "initial" with "first", emphasizing the temporal aspect of the estimate.

preliminary estimate

Substitutes "initial" with "preliminary", highlighting the provisional nature of the estimate.

early estimate

Uses "early" instead of "initial", stressing the timing of the estimation.

original estimate

Emphasizes that this was the first estimation performed.

projected cost

Focuses on the financial aspect and its predicted value.

initial projection

Replaces "estimate" with "projection", suggesting a forecast or prediction.

ballpark figure

Offers a more informal way to refer to an approximate initial cost.

rough calculation

Highlights the inexact nature of the estimate.

tentative assessment

Uses "assessment" to indicate the judgment rather than a precise calculation.

preliminary costing

Focuses specifically on the act of determining the initial cost.

FAQs

How do you use "initial estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "initial estimate" to refer to a preliminary calculation, as in, "The "initial estimate" for the project was $1 million, but the final cost exceeded that figure."

What's a good alternative for "initial estimate"?

Alternatives include "preliminary estimate", "first estimate", or "projected cost", depending on the context.

Is it okay to rely solely on an "initial estimate" for decision-making?

It is generally not advisable. An "initial estimate" is a starting point and should be refined with more detailed information and analysis before making critical decisions.

How does an "initial estimate" differ from a final budget?

An "initial estimate" is a rough calculation made early in a project, while a final budget is a detailed, comprehensive plan developed after thorough analysis and planning.