precautionary estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precautionary estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an estimate made as a precaution to account for potential risks or uncertainties in a situation. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we should prepare a precautionary estimate to ensure we are financially prepared for any unexpected costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For the remaining species, the use of 10% of the lowest prevalence estimate found in literature can be regarded as a precautionary estimate based on expert opinion.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Sanderson stressed that these were only precautionary estimates which "should not be considered as either contingent or prospective resources or reserves" – meaning that the area may never yield a single drop.

Independent

Ashok Chavan, chief minister of the state of Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai, vowed that Shiv Sena would not disrupt the film, and the police made precautionary arrests of an estimated 2,000 party members.

The New York Times

Again, it was a precautionary measure, however Nasa estimates that anything larger than a baseball poses a potentially catastrophic threat to the ISS.

BBC

A lower threshold bound can be set as a precautionary measure by empirically estimating the GFP-negative signal across several images.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Below we try to estimate COOP's precautionary costs that are measures taken in advance in order to mitigate the consequences of major delays and the operational costs that were paid as consequence of the major train delays and cancelled trains during the period June 2011 September 2012.

European Transport Research Review

The estimates for COOP's precautionary and operational costs are listed in Table 3.

European Transport Research Review

Table 3 Rough estimates of COOP's precautionary and operative costs related to combined road/rail transport, Helsingborg Bro, 1 June 2011 30 September 2012   Total costs June 2011 Sept.

European Transport Research Review

Highlights include one of Houdini's books that he inscribed to his brother Dash, estimated at $20,000 to $30,000; his wallet, estimated at $12,000 to $18,0000; and a notarized document that records the sale of his entire act to his wife for one dollar as a precautionary measure against eventual lawsuits that carries an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.

Forbes

When applying the precautionary principle, industrial companies have difficulties in estimating the service lifetime of innovative materials such as aerogel.

Microporous and Mesoporous Materials

There is therefore scope for further refinements of contaminant exposure risk models to increase their predictive power and reduce their reliance on precautionary assumptions which tend to inflate the estimated risks.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "precautionary estimate", clearly state the assumptions and potential risks considered in its calculation. Transparency builds trust and credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "precautionary estimate" as a guaranteed outcome. Acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and potential for deviation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precautionary estimate" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "precautionary" modifies the noun "estimate". It indicates a calculated figure that includes a safety margin or buffer to account for potential risks or uncertainties. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precautionary estimate" refers to a calculated figure that incorporates a safety margin to account for potential risks or uncertainties. As noted by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. It finds its primary application in science, news & media, and formal & business settings, reflecting its use in contexts that demand careful planning and risk mitigation. When using a "precautionary estimate", transparency about assumptions and potential risks is vital to maintain credibility. Remember, presenting it as a guaranteed outcome is incorrect, as it inherently deals with uncertainty. Alternatives like "conservative projection" or "risk-adjusted valuation" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conservative projection

Emphasizes a lower-end or more guarded prediction.

Safety margin calculation

Focuses on calculating a buffer to account for potential risks.

Worst-case scenario assessment

Highlights planning for the most adverse possible outcome.

Risk-adjusted valuation

Incorporates potential risks into the valuation process, leading to a more conservative figure.

Contingency planning figure

Refers to a number set aside specifically for unexpected events.

Lower bound estimation

Highlights the lowest likely value in an estimation.

Prudent forecast

Suggests a forecast made with caution and foresight.

Buffer calculation

Focuses on creating a safety net or reserve.

Defensive valuation

Implies a valuation that prioritizes safety and avoids overestimation.

Cautious appraisal

Suggests careful and restrained evaluation.

FAQs

How do you use "precautionary estimate" in a sentence?

A "precautionary estimate" is often used when planning for potential risks or uncertainties. For instance, "The project budget includes a precautionary estimate for unexpected delays".

What's a good alternative to "precautionary estimate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "conservative projection", "risk-adjusted valuation", or "lower bound estimation".

Is a "precautionary estimate" the same as a regular estimate?

No, a "precautionary estimate" includes an additional buffer or safety margin to account for potential unforeseen issues, making it more conservative than a typical estimate.

When is it appropriate to use a "precautionary estimate"?

Use a "precautionary estimate" when dealing with high-risk projects, uncertain market conditions, or situations where accuracy is critical and underestimation could have significant consequences.