it approximates to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it approximates to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when estimating something, usually a number, without precise measurement or calculation. For example, "I estimate that the total cost of the project will approximate to $15,000".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yield matrix (H_{k}) such that it approximates to the Hessian of the Lagrangian associated with ((mathrm{P}_{rho_{k}})) and satisfies request (11).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In the case of a non-spherical object, it approximates to the largest rotational radius.

Plosone

The survival rate of CD MPO larvae at 7 dpf was 55±5% that of control-injected pairs (n=80; P<0.05; Student's t test), and it approximates to zero in the following days.

Bioscience Reports

The first is the bootstrap percentile test, where the resampled distribution of fitted parameters is shifted left by β ˆ so that it approximates to the distribution of the fitted parameter values under H0.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

28 A million total population is a useful denominator for planning health services as it approximates to the size of an administrative health unit and is user-friendly, facilitating advocacy and planning.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Back calculation via eGFR has its own problems since it is well recognised that estimated GFR is wildly inaccurate when serum creatinine is normal or near normal (+30% from true GFR), and serum creatinine needs to have been stable for at least 4 days before it approximates to true GFR.

BMC Nephrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It approximated to about 28 times based on laboratory studies [ 16].

BioMed Research International

By the final time point, the median percentage of PgR-positive cells in samples from the All Mutations group had increased such that it approximated to that of the population-risk group.

British Journal of Cancer

It may not be appropriate to regard it as approximating to a RR.

Critical Care

In the Fāṭimid state the mission became in effect a third branch of the government, together with the traditional military and bureaucratic establishments; it thus approximated to something otherwise lacking in the medieval Islāmic world an institutionalized state church.

Britannica

It was approximated to four by assuming nonrespondents from the total 1,350 estimated pregnant women.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it approximates to" when you want to convey an estimated value or condition without claiming exactness. This softens the assertion and acknowledges potential variance.

Common error

Avoid using "it approximates to" when precise figures are available. Using an approximation in such cases can undermine credibility and suggest a lack of rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it approximates to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an estimation or close similarity. This usage suggests that a precise value is not known or not necessary, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it approximates to" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express an estimation or close similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not highly frequent, the sources employing it are generally authoritative. Consider more direct alternatives like "it approximates" when precision isn't crucial but directness is. Understanding its communicative purpose can help writers use it effectively in conveying estimated values or conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it approximates

Directly removes the preposition 'to'.

it is estimated to be

More explicitly states that a value is an estimate.

it is roughly equivalent to

Replaces 'approximates' with 'roughly equivalent', suggesting a similar but not exact correspondence.

it is nearly equal to

Substitutes 'approximates' with 'nearly equal', implying a quantitative comparison that is almost identical.

it equates to

Shows the equivalent or correlation between 2 or more values.

it closely resembles

Focuses on the similarity in characteristics rather than a numerical estimation.

it is in the vicinity of

Indicates an approximate range rather than a specific point.

it is akin to

Suggests a resemblance in nature or quality, not necessarily a numerical approximation.

it is comparable to

Highlights that the terms are similar or equivalent.

it approaches

Implies moving closer to a value or state.

FAQs

How can I use "it approximates to" in a sentence?

Use "it approximates to" when you want to express an estimation or a close similarity. For example, "The final cost of the repairs it approximates to $5000".

What are some alternatives to "it approximates to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is roughly equivalent to", "it is nearly equal to", or "it closely resembles" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it approximates" or "it approximates to"?

Both "it approximates" and "it approximates to" can be used, though "it approximates" is slightly more direct. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that "it approximates to" is valid. Consider the specific context and desired level of formality when choosing between them.

When is it inappropriate to use "it approximates to"?

Avoid using "it approximates to" when you have access to precise data or when precision is crucial. In such cases, providing the exact value is more appropriate and accurate.