to a first approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

'to a first approximation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when making an educated guess about a situation, based upon limited knowledge. For example, "To a first approximation, it appears the trend will continue for the foreseeable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, to a first approximation calderas present a radial structure and then can be approximated by the axis symmetric assumption.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

To a first approximation, all of it.

The New York Times

To a first approximation, yes.

The New York Times

To a first approximation, there aren't any.

The New Yorker

That makes sense; to a first approximation services are people.

The Economist

This, to a first approximation, is the secular story of our creation.

The New Yorker

On the academic side: look, to a first approximation nobody ever admits being wrong about anything.

The New York Times

To a first approximation, that value is the amount that they would fetch if they went up for auction.

The New Yorker

To a first approximation, a human and a Neanderthal chosen at random would also vary by three million base pairs.

The New Yorker

All biographies of pop artists, to a first approximation, seem to end up being studies in the music-publishing business.

The New Yorker

Accordingly, it is reasonable to assume that to a first approximation these abundances are applicable to the entire mantle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific and technical writing, "to a first approximation" can introduce a simplifying assumption that allows for easier calculation or modeling.

Common error

Avoid using "to a first approximation" when you have precise data. This phrase indicates an estimate, not an exact measurement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a first approximation" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement by indicating that it is a simplified or preliminary estimation. Ludwig AI shows that it's used to introduce an initial assessment based on limited information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to a first approximation" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a simplified or preliminary estimate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's very common and appears frequently in science and news media, indicating a formal register. When writing, use this phrase to introduce a simplified explanation but be mindful of overstating accuracy if precise data is available. Alternatives like "as a rough estimate" or "generally speaking" can be used for similar meanings. It effectively signals to the reader that the information provided is an initial assessment and may not be entirely comprehensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a basic approximation

Mirrors the original phrase with a stronger emphasis on 'basic'.

as a rough estimate

Emphasizes the lack of precision and preliminary nature of the estimation.

in broad terms

Focuses on giving a general overview without going into specifics.

generally speaking

Highlights the overall trend or pattern observed.

to simplify matters

Indicates a deliberate effort to make something easier to understand.

for simplicity's sake

Similar to the above, emphasizing the purpose of simplification.

in the simplest terms

Highlights clarity by using the most easy language.

at a fundamental level

Focuses on core concepts ignoring details.

initially

Highlights that this is the first step of a more elaborate explanation.

on the surface

Indicates that there might be more to it than meets the eye.

FAQs

How can I use "to a first approximation" in a sentence?

Use "to a first approximation" to introduce a simplified explanation or estimate. For example, "To a first approximation, the company's revenue will increase by 10% next year".

What are some alternatives to saying "to a first approximation"?

You can use alternatives like "as a rough estimate", "generally speaking", or "in broad terms" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to a first approximation"?

It's appropriate when you want to provide a preliminary explanation or estimate, especially when dealing with complex or uncertain situations. Avoid it when precise data is available.

Is "to a first approximation" formal or informal?

It leans towards formal usage, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. More informal alternatives exist for casual conversation.