it is estimated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is estimated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has made a guess or estimate about something, such as in the following example: "It is estimated that over 1 million people attended the festival this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is estimated at around $30 million.

The New York Times - Arts

It is estimated at about $2 million.

The New York Times - Arts

It is estimated at up to $700.

The Guardian

It is estimated to fetch around $20m.

The Guardian - Arts

It is estimated at 600-800 pounds.

The Telegraph

It is estimated to be worth more than $4m.

The Guardian

It is estimated they have created 30,000 jobs there.

The Guardian

It is estimated that £20m has been earmarked for payouts.

The Guardian

Now it is estimated at $14 million to $18 million.

The New York Times

In the UK, it is estimated to be worth £2bn.

The Guardian

It is estimated to have about 100 members.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, follow "it is estimated" with a "that" clause to introduce the estimated value or quantity, particularly in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid presenting estimates as definitive facts. Use hedging language such as "approximately" or "around" to reflect the inherent uncertainty in estimations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is estimated" serves as a linguistic device to introduce an approximation or a calculated guess. It's commonly used to present data where precise figures are unavailable or unnecessary. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is estimated" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce approximate figures or quantities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, lending a formal tone to writing. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity by citing the source of the estimation and using appropriate hedging language to convey uncertainty. Avoid presenting estimates as definitive facts to maintain accuracy and credibility. Common alternatives include "it is projected", "it is believed", and "it is thought", each with subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the estimation is

A slightly more formal and direct way of presenting the estimation.

it is approximated

Focuses on a rough calculation or estimation, often used when precision is not required.

the assessment indicates

Emphasizes a formal evaluation or review leading to the estimate.

calculations indicate

Highlights that the estimate is a result of computations or mathematical processes.

it is projected

Implies a prediction or forecast based on current data and trends.

figures suggest

Indicates that the estimate is derived from numerical data and implies a degree of uncertainty.

data implies

Similar to "figures suggest", highlighting the role of data in forming the estimate.

it is believed

Suggests an estimation based on general opinion or assumption rather than concrete data.

it is thought

Similar to "it is believed", but can also imply a more informal assessment.

it is reckoned

A more informal way of saying "it is estimated", often used in casual conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is estimated" to introduce an approximate value or quantity, such as "it is estimated that the project will cost $10 million".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is estimated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is projected", "it is believed", or "it is thought", depending on the context.

How do I choose between "it is estimated" and "it is predicted"?

"It is estimated" is used for approximations based on available data, while "it is predicted" is used for forecasts about the future.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice when making an estimate?

While "researchers estimate" (active) can be more direct, "it is estimated" (passive) is suitable when the estimator is unknown or less important than the estimate itself.