meticulous calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meticulous calculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a calculation that is done with great attention to detail and precision. Example: "The engineer's meticulous calculation ensured that the bridge would be safe and stable for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It takes skill and meticulous calculation to pare down as much of the movement as possible without rendering the watch too fragile to function.

Forbes

But a closer look at the movie's knockout finale is proof of the meticulous calculation and technique that crafted the sleeper hit that's earning Oscar buzz.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

More troublesome, the book never quite comes alive, never transcends its author's meticulous calculations.

The New York Times - Books

For all of their meticulous calculations, I don't think Robert Hahn and Peter Passell included a considerable cost into their analysis.

The New York Times

According to Depperschmidt's meticulous calculations, by the end of the calendar year 2000 Robertson had recorded a hundred and eighty-three New York City days, the exact number allowed by statute, and a number all but guaranteed to raise red flags, because it came so close to the line.

The New Yorker

Whereas Ellet embellished his proposals with fanciful words and deeds, Roebling presented papers filled with meticulous calculations and drawings.

Wikipedia

Roebling submitted two designs, a conservative single-deck suspension bridge and a double-decked version, both with meticulous calculations and drawings.

Wikipedia

In guessing the lengths of the recurrent eons (kalpas), the Hindus arrived, intuitively, at figures of the magnitude of those reached by modern astronomers through meticulous observations and calculations.

Britannica

With cold calculation and meticulous planning, including reconnaissance, the bombers chose an unusual target, one that was certain to sow fear far beyond Bali, said a Western security analyst in Jakarta.

The New York Times

And his calculations were meticulous.

The New York Times

The semi-final provided an archetypal clash between snooker's traditional and revolutionary forces: Rex Williams, meticulous in his application and calculation, versus Higgins, impulsive, inspirational, hustling round the table to assess his shot instinctively and let fly with the minimum of preparation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "meticulous calculation", ensure that the context clearly reflects a situation where precision and attention to detail are paramount. This phrase is best suited for describing processes in scientific, engineering, or financial contexts where accuracy is critical.

Common error

Avoid using "meticulous calculation" in situations where a rough estimate or general assessment would suffice. Overusing this phrase in casual or non-technical contexts can sound overly formal or even pretentious.

Linguistic Context

"Meticulous calculation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "meticulous" modifies the noun "calculation". It describes a specific type of calculation characterized by great attention to detail and precision. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts requiring accuracy, such as engineering and scientific analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meticulous calculation" denotes a computation performed with exceptional attention to detail, intended to ensure accuracy and reliability. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for formal contexts, particularly those involving scientific, engineering, or financial assessments. Alternatives such as "precise computation" or "careful assessment" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The analysis indicates that while the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is most frequently encountered in news, encyclopedic and scientific sources. Employing "meticulous calculation" appropriately enhances the clarity and credibility of technical and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise computation

Replaces "calculation" with "computation", emphasizing the accuracy of the process.

painstaking computation

Replaces meticulous with a similar term that conveys the effort involved.

thorough reckoning

Substitutes "meticulous" with "thorough" and "calculation" with "reckoning", highlighting the completeness of the assessment.

careful assessment

Emphasizes caution and attention to detail in the evaluation process.

detailed analysis

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the analytical process.

exact determination

Highlights the accuracy and definiteness of the result.

rigorous estimation

Emphasizes the strict and demanding nature of the estimation process.

scrupulous evaluation

Highlights the attention to moral or ethical detail in the evaluation.

diligent figuring

Replaces calculation with a more informal and active term that conveys careful effort.

methodical accounting

Emphasizes a structured and systematic approach to calculation.

FAQs

How can I use "meticulous calculation" in a sentence?

You can use "meticulous calculation" to describe processes that require great attention to detail. For example, "The engineer's "meticulous calculation" ensured the bridge's stability" or "The scientist performed a "meticulous calculation" to determine the exact dosage".

What are some alternatives to "meticulous calculation"?

Alternatives include "precise computation", "thorough reckoning", or "careful assessment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "meticulous calculation" formal or informal?

"Meticulous calculation" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for technical, scientific, or professional contexts. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.

What does "meticulous" mean in the context of "meticulous calculation"?

In this context, "meticulous" means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. Therefore, a "meticulous calculation" is one that is performed with extreme care and accuracy.