rough approximation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough approximation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a value or measurement is not exact but is close enough for practical purposes. Example: "The rough approximation of the total cost is around $500, but we will need to finalize the budget later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Monday's presidential debate provided a rough approximation of this experiment.

The New York Times

Segalman cautioned that what she's designing is really just a "rough approximation" of photosynthesis.

The New Yorker

The combination of blue and yellow produces a rough approximation of white light.

The Economist

The children who turned up bedraggled, a bit whiffy and wearing only a rough approximation of school uniform.

The Guardian - Opinion

If they do use a black model, she will be dressed in some rough approximation of the Hottentot Venus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

MANY Internet users are accustomed to going to Zillow.com to see a rough approximation of their home's value.

The New York Times

Advertisers have to rely on ratings and market research to get even a rough approximation of who's watching which show.

The New Yorker

By July, he argued, there needs to be a "rough approximation of what a Doha undertaking might look like".

The Economist

Feed its sensors a rough approximation of the real world, and they'll still learn mostly correctly: then you can "top up" the education with actual training.

The Guardian - Tech

In the studio, the performers were working in a rough approximation of Chloe Lamford's two-storey set, yet another lived-in 19th-century interior.

The Guardian

His favorite is GameCast, a feature on ESPNSoccernet that provides continuous updates, written commentary and a rough approximation of the ball's location on the field.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough approximation of", ensure your audience understands that the figure provided is not exact and may have a significant margin of error. Provide context on potential influencing factors.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "rough approximation of" as a definitive or precise value. Clearly indicate the estimate's limitations and potential variability to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough approximation of" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a subsequent value or description is not exact but serves as a reasonable estimate or representation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough approximation of" is a phrase used to indicate that a value or description is an estimate rather than an exact measurement. It functions as a qualifier, setting expectations for the level of accuracy. The phrase is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. When using this phrase, be sure to clarify that the figure is not definitive and may have a margin of error. Alternatives include "close estimate of" or "ballpark figure for", depending on the desired level of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate value of

Focuses on the value but acknowledges it's not precise.

close estimate of

Suggests a slightly more precise calculation, but still not exact.

estimated measure of

Highlights the act of measuring but with an acknowledged margin of error.

ballpark figure for

Implies a very general estimation, often used in financial contexts.

general idea of

Indicates a broad understanding rather than a specific calculation.

loose calculation of

Emphasizes the lack of rigor in the calculation.

preliminary assessment of

Indicates an initial evaluation that may be refined later.

crude reckoning of

Suggests a basic and potentially inaccurate calculation.

guesstimate of

A blend of guess and estimate, implying informality.

order of magnitude of

Indicates a very broad estimate, focusing on powers of ten.

FAQs

How can I use "rough approximation of" in a sentence?

Use "rough approximation of" when you want to convey an estimate that is not precise but is close enough for a general understanding. For example, "The "rough approximation of" the project's cost is $1 million."

What are some alternatives to "rough approximation of"?

Alternatives include "close estimate of", "ballpark figure for", or "general idea of". The best choice depends on the context and the level of precision you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rough approximation of" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. In formal contexts, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of the estimate and, if possible, provide a range or confidence interval. Phrases like "approximate value of" may be preferred in certain formal contexts.

What is the difference between "rough approximation of" and "precise measurement of"?

"Rough approximation of" implies a lack of precision and reliance on estimation, while "precise measurement of" indicates a high degree of accuracy obtained through careful measurement. Use "rough approximation of" when accuracy is not critical or feasible and "precise measurement of" when accuracy is paramount.