it is approximate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is approximate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a value or measurement is not exact but rather an estimation. Example: "The total cost of the project is $5,000, but it is approximate and may vary depending on additional expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Distance 1 were numbers 10 and 18, distance 2 were 8 and 20 and distance 3 were 6 and 24 (approximately 3/4, 2/3, and 1/2. It is approximate because in some cases the exact number would have been a decimal number so rounding was necessary).

Biological Psychology

It is approximate because it is valid only in the first-order approximation sense, or in other words, the error analysis is performed approximately on the tangent hyperplane at the estimates instead of the original nonlinear manifold of the observables.

Advances in Space Research

And in sparse network condition, it is approximate to 75%.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

This stirrup ratio is ρw = 0.00157 and it is approximate ¼ of the stirrup ratio to be found.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The environmental contour lines approach has emerged as a fast practical method for estimating the extreme response; nevertheless, it is approximate and needs to be validated.

Structural Safety

It is approximate because the numbers of left outputs or right outputs are not necessarily equal, and this is the case when M is even, like GPS L1 C/A signals.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We calculate the Gini coefficient, G using the approximation of the Lorenz curve, where it is approximated on each interval as a line between consecutive points.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The yield surface of the sections is defined by its support function values associated to presso-flexural mechanisms and it is approximated as Minkowski sum of ellipsoids.

Computers & Structures

It is approximated as gamma distribution[32].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It is approximating my area of interest to the direction of my forehead.

TechCrunch

It is approximated as E = kA 2 /2 (simple oscillator equation).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is approximate", always provide context about what is being approximated and why the approximation is necessary. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting an approximate value as precise. Clearly indicate that the figure is an estimate to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is approximate" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a given value or statement is not precise but rather an estimation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is approximate" is a useful qualifier, signaling that information is not exact but rather an estimation. Grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, especially science and news, it serves to convey a level of uncertainty or a lack of precision. Ludwig AI highlights that while the phrase is typically neutral to formal, providing context to the approximation and avoiding its presentation as a precise value is crucial for maintaining clarity and credibility. Alternatives such as "it is a rough estimate" or "it is roughly" can be used to fine-tune the level of imprecision conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a rough estimate

Replaces "approximate" with "rough estimate", emphasizing the inexact nature of the calculation.

it is an approximation

Transforms the phrase using a noun instead of an adjective.

it is nearly exact

Uses "nearly exact" to convey the sense of being close but not perfectly precise.

it is in the neighborhood of

Employs a more idiomatic expression indicating an approximate value.

it is close to

Offers a simpler and more direct way of expressing approximation.

it is around

Uses "around" to denote an approximate quantity or value.

it is a guesstimate

Combines "guess" and "estimate" for a more informal approximation.

it is more or less

Emphasizes a degree of uncertainty and flexibility in the approximation.

it is not precise

Focuses on the lack of precision rather than providing an estimation.

it is just about

Suggests a value that is close but not exact.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is approximate" to indicate that a value or measurement is not exact. For example, "The travel time is 3 hours, but "it is approximate" and depends on traffic conditions."

What are some alternatives to "it is approximate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is an estimate", "it is roughly", or "it is about", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is approximate" or "it is an approximation"?

Both are correct, but "it is approximate" uses an adjective, while "it is an approximation" uses a noun. The choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis. "It is approximate" modifies a subject, while "it is an approximation" stands as a subject or object.

When should I use "it is approximate" instead of "it is exact"?

Use "it is approximate" when the value is an estimation and not precise. Use "it is exact" when the value is accurate and without any deviation.