reasonable estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about making an estimate that is not exact, but is likely to be reasonably close to the correct answer. For example, "I made a reasonable estimate that the ball would take three bounces before it stopped moving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

seems a reasonable estimate.

The New York Times

One percent is a reasonable estimate.

The New York Times

But now I think that 2030 is a reasonable estimate.

The Guardian

Is that a reasonable estimate, or a reflection of panic?

The New York Times

It's a reasonable estimate," he told the BBC.

The Guardian

A reasonable estimate would be tens of thousands.

The New York Times - Magazine

Around 10m years is generally reckoned a reasonable estimate.

The Economist

However, Bolland accepted the £50m-£55m £50m-£55males suggested by analysts was a reasonable estinate.

The Guardian - Business

About a quarter of a million may be a reasonable estimate.

The New Yorker

Why do we need, at a reasonable estimate, 100,000 fonts in the world?

The Guardian - Arts

The reduction rates the ANU paper assumes are far below any reasonable estimate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable estimate", ensure you can justify your estimate with some form of evidence, data, or logical reasoning. This strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "reasonable estimate" as a definitive fact. Always acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and potential for variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable estimate" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "reasonable" modifies the noun "estimate". It's used to describe an approximation or judgment that is considered sensible and justifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable estimate" is a common and versatile expression used to convey an approximate value or judgment that is considered sensible and justifiable. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in diverse fields like news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very usable in written English.

When using "reasonable estimate", it's crucial to provide some form of justification or reasoning to support your estimation. Avoid presenting it as an absolute fact and always acknowledge the potential for variation. Alternatives such as "sound estimation" or "fair approximation" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound estimation

Emphasizes the reliability and validity of the estimated value.

fair approximation

Highlights the equity and closeness to the actual value.

educated guess

Suggests the estimate is based on knowledge and experience.

considered judgment

Focuses on the thoughtful and deliberate nature of the evaluation.

practical assessment

Indicates the estimate is grounded in real-world considerations.

sensible prediction

Suggests that the approximate quantification is based on logical reasoning.

realistic valuation

Emphasizes the practicality and achievable attributes that are part of the estimated value.

logical forecast

Highlights the use of reason to estimate the future outcome.

well-founded projection

Focuses on the robust base of knowledge in order to infer the future outcome.

informed calculation

Suggests that quantification is based on previous knowledge and data.

FAQs

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

Use "reasonable estimate" when you want to suggest an approximation that is likely to be close to the actual value. For example, "A "reasonable estimate" for the project's completion time is six months".

What are some alternatives to "reasonable estimate"?

Alternatives include "sound estimation", "fair approximation", or "educated guess", depending on the context and the degree of precision required.

Is it appropriate to use "reasonable estimate" in formal writing?

Yes, "reasonable estimate" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when precision is not possible or necessary. It acknowledges a degree of uncertainty while maintaining a professional tone.

How does "reasonable estimate" differ from a precise calculation?

A "reasonable estimate" is an approximation based on available information, while a precise calculation is derived from exact data and formulas. Use "reasonable estimate" when exact figures are unavailable or unnecessary.