reasonable guess

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable guess" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are making an educated guess about something. For example, "I don't know the answer, but I can make a reasonable guess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This seems a reasonable guess.

The Economist

Five hundred years is a reasonable guess.

The Guardian

So four loaves is probably a pretty reasonable guess.

The New York Times

A reasonable guess would be 50, or even five.

The Guardian - Tech

It was a reasonable guess: strangers in isolated Malhadas are not common.

The New York Times

If they think that Mr Takano will waste their capital, they are making a reasonable guess.

The Economist

Grant's theory was a reasonable guess, but after practice Friday, Gore said it was incorrect.

The New York Times - Sports

But a reasonable guess hangs on the meaning of the word "quitting".

The Economist

That is probably a reasonable guess (other security-software firms put the figure far higher).

The Economist

A reasonable guess is that page views per capita is constant between countries.

Cornell University

It is "a reasonable guess," he said, that the same applied to early ancestors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable guess", ensure the context provides some basis for the guess, even if the information is incomplete. It should not be a random or baseless assumption.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "reasonable guess" as a definitive fact. Always acknowledge that it is an estimation and not a confirmed truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable guess" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an estimation or assumption that is based on available information and logical reasoning. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable guess" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an informed estimation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across varied contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Academia. The phrase serves to communicate an educated prediction, acknowledging the presence of uncertainty. When using "reasonable guess", it's crucial to ensure the context provides some basis for the estimation and to avoid presenting it as a definitive fact. Alternatives like "educated estimate" or "informed speculation" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical supposition

Focuses on the logical aspect of the guess, implying a structured thought process.

educated estimate

Emphasizes the knowledge or information that supports the guess.

informed speculation

Highlights that the speculation is based on available data and understanding.

plausible estimation

Suggests that the estimation is believable and likely to be true.

sound hypothesis

Implies that the guess is well-founded and can be tested.

sensible prediction

Focuses on the practicality and rationality behind the prediction.

rational conjecture

Emphasizes the use of reason and logic in forming the conjecture.

valid assumption

Suggests that the assumption is grounded and acceptable.

credible forecast

Highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of the forecast.

well-founded assessment

Implies a thorough and solid basis for the assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable guess" when you want to suggest an estimation that is based on available information but not entirely certain. For example, "Based on the data, a "reasonable guess" is that the project will be completed by next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "reasonable guess"?

Instead of "reasonable guess", you could use phrases like "educated estimate", "informed speculation", or "plausible estimation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "reasonable guess" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when presenting hypotheses or making predictions based on incomplete data. However, ensure that the guess is clearly identified as such and supported by available evidence.

What makes a guess "reasonable"?

A guess is considered "reasonable" when it is based on some level of evidence, logical reasoning, or prior knowledge. It is not purely speculative but rather an informed estimation given the available information.