it is estimated to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is estimated to be" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when an estimate of something is being referenced. For example, "It is estimated to be 200,000 visitors to the festival this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By its 22nd year, it is estimated to be approaching its maximum length of 1.6 metres (about 5 feet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is estimated to be at less than half its original strength, and perhaps only a quarter.

The New York Times

It is estimated to be responsible for 90% of its production, despite only having a third of the world's deposits.

BBC

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

It is estimated to be worth about $1.1m£570,00000).

The Guardian

It is estimated to be about 20,000 years old.

Britannica

With a staff of 25, it is estimated to be valued at $5bn£2.5bnbn).

The Guardian - Tech

It is estimated to be about 40percentt as big as Pluto.

The New York Times

With a staff of just 25, it is estimated to be valued at $5bn£2.5bnbn).

The Guardian - Business

And it is estimated to be three-quarters of the size of Pluto.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is estimated to be", ensure the source of the estimation is credible or clearly stated to enhance the reliability of your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting estimated figures as definitive facts. Always acknowledge the potential for error by using qualifiers like "approximately" or "roughly" after "it is estimated to be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is estimated to be" functions as an introductory expression to present an approximation or assessment. It commonly prefaces a numerical value or descriptive attribute, indicating that the information is not exact but rather derived from calculations or informed judgments. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is estimated to be" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce an approximation or calculated value. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently across various fields like news, science, and encyclopedias, suggesting a versatile and widely accepted usage. While the phrase conveys a level of uncertainty, it is crucial to ensure the estimation's source is credible to maintain reliability. The key takeaway is to use "it is estimated to be" when precision isn't possible or necessary, but always acknowledge the inherent potential for error. Avoid using estimates as if they are definite numbers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is approximated to be

Stresses the nature of the statement as an estimation rather than an exact value.

it is calculated to be

Focuses on a more precise, mathematically-derived approximation, rather than a general estimation.

the estimate is that it is

Changes the sentence structure, placing the emphasis on the act of estimation itself.

it is projected to be

Emphasizes a forecast or prediction, often based on trends or data.

it is evaluated to be

Implies a formal assessment or judgment leading to the approximation.

it is anticipated to be

Highlights an expectation or anticipation, typically based on some degree of certainty.

it is considered to be

Suggests a more formal or widely accepted opinion or judgment.

it is said to be

Indicates information based on hearsay or general opinion, lacking a precise calculation.

it is believed to be

Similar to 'thought to be', but carries a slightly stronger sense of conviction.

it is thought to be

Conveys a belief or opinion, often without concrete evidence or calculation.

FAQs

How do I use "it is estimated to be" in a sentence?

Use "it is estimated to be" to introduce an approximate value or quantity. For example, "It is estimated to be around 5 million people living in the city."

What can I say instead of "it is estimated to be"?

You can use alternatives like "it is thought to be", "it is believed to be", or "it is projected to be" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is estimated that" or "it is estimated to be"?

Both phrases are correct, but "it is estimated to be" is typically followed by a noun phrase (e.g., "it is estimated to be 5 million") while "it is estimated that" is followed by a clause (e.g., "it is estimated that the population is 5 million").

What does "it is estimated to be" imply about the accuracy of the information?

Using "it is estimated to be" implies that the information is not precise and is based on an approximation or calculation, rather than an exact measurement.