prudent estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prudent estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a careful and sensible approximation or judgment regarding a particular situation or value. Example: "Based on the available data, we can make a prudent estimate of the project's costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With some contracts still to be wound up after the end of the Games, ministers are describing the underspend as a "prudent" estimate.

The Guardian - Sport

"A prudent estimate for a newly-promoted club is upwards of £120m," Sheffield Hallam University football finance expert Rob Wilson told BBC Sport.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a major watershed in the medieval history of the region: although the number of casualties is disputed, even the most prudent estimates do not go below 15 percent of the total population.

Wikipedia

Now, he says, "if you want to be prudent you estimate little to no effect".

Forbes

But rather than proceeding as if no environmental limits exist, it is more prudent to estimate the limits and develop policy accordingly.

SEP

It therefore seems prudent to estimate an association between the intervention and mortality in the range of OR 0.7 - 0.8.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Whatever the underlying reason for the over-partitioning of simulated datasets, these results suggest that when using methods like these to select partitioning schemes for empirical studies, it would be prudent to estimate phylogenetic trees under a range of intermediate partitioning schemes as well as the final partitioning scheme.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

One should be prudent when estimating the environmental impact.

Global Health Action

We are being prudent in our estimates for 2008 because we recognize these are tough economic times and we expect them to continue for some time.

TechCrunch

Mr Robertson described the current estimate as "prudent".

Independent

Rather than assuming that functional connectivity estimates are direct measures of how the brain works, it seems prudent to interpret connectivity estimates as approximations of an underlying circuit which may be task-dependent and confounded by unobserved factors such as common-input or even activity on timescales outside the range of our recordings.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prudent estimate", ensure the context highlights the rationale behind the estimate to showcase its careful consideration and reliability.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "prudent estimate" as a definitive prediction. Instead, frame it as a reasoned approximation subject to potential variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prudent estimate" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "prudent" modifies the noun "estimate". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe an approximation that is made with care and good judgment. It usually highlights caution in predictions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prudent estimate" describes a careful and sensible approximation, often used in contexts where accuracy is crucial but certainty is impossible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically appears in news, media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, make sure the rationale for the estimate is clear to highlight its reliability, and avoid presenting it as a definitive prediction. Alternatives include "conservative projection" or "cautious assessment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conservative projection

Focuses on the cautious nature of the prediction.

cautious assessment

Emphasizes careful evaluation rather than prediction.

realistic appraisal

Highlights the practicality and grounded nature of the estimation.

reasoned approximation

Stresses the logical and thoughtful process behind the estimated value.

sound calculation

Implies the estimate is based on reliable methods and data.

well-considered forecast

Highlights the thoughtfulness involved in making the forecast.

careful prediction

Focuses on the prediction aspect while emphasizing caution.

sensible valuation

Highlights the practicality and common sense applied in the estimation.

judicious guesstimate

Implies a blend of informed judgment and estimation.

responsible budget

Highlights the aspect of responsible financial plannning in the budget's estimate.

FAQs

How can I use "prudent estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "prudent estimate" to describe a careful and sensible approximation, like: "The ministers described the underspend as a "prudent estimate" after the end of the Games".

What are some alternatives to "prudent estimate"?

Alternatives to "prudent estimate" include "conservative projection", "cautious assessment", or "realistic appraisal", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "prudent estimate"?

It's appropriate to use "prudent estimate" when you want to emphasize the careful and considered nature of an approximation, particularly in situations where accuracy is important but absolute certainty is not possible.

What makes an estimate "prudent"?

An estimate is considered "prudent" when it's based on thorough analysis, considers potential risks and uncertainties, and aims to provide a realistic and responsible assessment, rather than an overly optimistic or speculative one.