is approximate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is approximate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an estimate, measurement or calculation is inexact. For example: "The population of the city is approximate 250,000 people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, too much is approximate.

The Guardian

One item of information requested of candidates for admission to the Metropolitan Club is "Approximate Age".

The New Yorker

11.13pm BST The technical term for this solo in Sympathy is "approximate".

The Guardian - Music

(In the case of the distant past, something essential is lost in the process of translation, of course, so the intimacy is approximate.

The New Yorker

(Data is approximate, tracking by Google Analytics).

TechCrunch

Then semilinear system (1) is approximate controllability.

Boundary Value Problems

Then the system (2.1) is approximate controllable.

Advances in Difference Equations

The location of the planes that crashed is approximate.

BBC

Directions to their location, which is approximate, are also available.

Forbes

The capacity retention is approximate 43.5%.

Electrochimica Acta

See store representatives for details. 5) Screen size is approximate and measured diagonally.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is approximate", clearly state what the value is approximate to or what it represents to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid following "is approximate" with overly precise figures. If something is stated as approximate, subsequent details should maintain a similar level of estimation rather than implying exactness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is approximate" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. It connects a subject to a description indicating that the subject is nearly or closely resembling a certain value or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is approximate" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate that a value or measurement is not exact but is a close estimation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and widely used. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, demonstrating its applicability across various registers. For clarity, it's best to specify what the value is approximate to, and it's crucial to avoid overstating precision in subsequent details. Related phrases like "is roughly" or "is nearly" can be used as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is roughly

Replaces "approximate" with "roughly", indicating a general estimation.

is nearly

Substitutes "approximate" with "nearly", implying a close but not exact value.

is in the vicinity of

Offers a more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the proximity to a certain value.

is estimated to be

Replaces "approximate" with a more formal expression of estimation.

is close to

Simple substitution indicating nearness in value without being precise.

is on the order of

Used often in scientific contexts to indicate a magnitude or scale.

is in the neighborhood of

An informal alternative suggesting a value within a certain range.

is something like

Uses "something like" to convey an inexact comparison.

is not far from

Indicates a small difference from a certain value.

is just about

Suggests that something is almost a certain value or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "is approximate" in a sentence?

Use "is approximate" to indicate that a value or measurement is not exact but close to the stated figure. For instance, "The cost of the project "is approximate" $1 million."

What are some alternatives to "is approximate"?

You can use alternatives such as "is roughly", "is nearly", or "is estimated to be" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "is approximate" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable. While it indicates a lack of precision, it does so in a clear and professional manner. More formal alternatives might include "is estimated to be".

What does it mean when something "is approximate"?

It means the value is not exact. It's a close estimate, often used when precise measurements are difficult to obtain or not necessary.