preliminary estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

"preliminary estimate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a tentative or initial assessment or calculation of something, typically before more information is gathered for a final evaluation. Example: "The company's financial report includes a preliminary estimate of their annual profits, which is subject to change based on the completion of ongoing projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's just a preliminary estimate.

The New Yorker

He cautioned that that was "a very preliminary estimate".

The New York Times

We think the preliminary estimate of Q1 GDP may show zero growth over the quarter.

The Guardian - Business

According to one preliminary estimate, these will show 300,000 more children below the poverty line.

The Guardian

Job creation slowed to a crawl in December, according to the Labor Department's preliminary estimate.

The New York Times

The development corporation said that the preliminary estimate of the memorial site's cost was $350 million.

The New York Times

The reading was identical to a preliminary estimate made a month ago.

The New York Times

One preliminary estimate puts the trial's cost to the host county at $300,000.

The New York Times

Because it was a preliminary estimate, the government offered no details.

The New York Times

The measure was down from a preliminary estimate of 63.2 issued on April 11.

The New York Times

The report comes a day before the government releases its preliminary estimate of economic growth in the first quarter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary estimate", always clarify that the figure is subject to revision as more data becomes available. This manages expectations and ensures transparency.

Common error

Avoid making critical decisions solely based on a "preliminary estimate". Always seek confirmation with more comprehensive data before finalizing plans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary estimate" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an early or initial calculation. It serves to introduce a numerical value or assessment that is not yet finalized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary estimate" is a frequently used term that indicates an initial assessment or calculation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's essential to understand that such estimates are subject to revision as more data becomes available. As seen in various examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this term is commonly used in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using "preliminary estimate", clarity about its tentative nature is crucial. Alternatives like "initial assessment" or "rough calculation" can be used depending on the specific context. Therefore, it's important to convey a first idea but it's subjected to changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial assessment

Focuses on the assessment aspect rather than the numerical calculation, implying a broader evaluation.

tentative figure

Emphasizes the numerical aspect and its provisional nature.

rough calculation

Highlights the approximate nature of the calculation.

early projection

Suggests a prediction or forecast based on limited data.

provisional valuation

Specific to assigning a value, and indicates it is subject to change.

first approximation

Implies a simplification or initial model.

ballpark figure

An informal term for a rough estimate, often used in conversation.

guesstimate

A blend of guess and estimate, implying a high degree of uncertainty.

indicative calculation

The calculation is a sign of something else, it's pointing towards some evidence.

working assumption

An assumption used as a basis for further work or calculations.

FAQs

How is a "preliminary estimate" different from a final estimate?

A "preliminary estimate" is an initial calculation based on incomplete data, while a final estimate is a more accurate calculation that incorporates all available information.

What are some alternatives to "preliminary estimate"?

You can use alternatives like "initial assessment", "tentative figure", or "rough calculation" depending on the context.

When should I use the term "preliminary estimate"?

Use "preliminary estimate" when presenting an initial calculation that is likely to be revised as more information becomes available. Always indicate the tentative nature of the estimate.

How accurate is a "preliminary estimate" expected to be?

The accuracy of a "preliminary estimate" can vary, but it should be understood as an approximation. Always mention any potential range of error or factors that could influence the final figure.