vague estimates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague estimates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to approximations or calculations that lack precision or clarity. Example: "The project manager provided vague estimates for the timeline, making it difficult to plan effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Most officials gave only vague estimates of the size of the protest, saying hundreds of men took part.

The New York Times

Vague estimates of the number of exorcists available to them range from five or six to 14. Paprocki hasn't performed exorcisms, so he referred me to Reverend Gary Thomas.

The Guardian - Opinion

In presenting the new numbers on Thursday, the centers urged journalists to stop using annual averages like 36,000 or 24,000 and to use more vague estimates like "tens of thousands of people may die".

The New York Times

Calculations about the value of entitlements are relevant only in the sense that they give vague estimates about the commitments.

Forbes

For print media, companies sometimes have to rely on some vague estimates, although concrete responses from items like direct mailings can also help to calculate CPM.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Citing the history of lasers made with more light-friendly materials, Dr. Pavesi is reluctant to offer even a vague estimate of when consumers might see the first, ultra-slim, one-chip laptops based around silicon nanocrystal technology.

The New York Times - Tech

Paleontologists had already discovered skulls of the smaller animal, called Repenomamus robustus, but could get only a vague estimate of its body size.

Science Magazine

Since this approach yields only a vague estimate of the true optimal shape of newly established holes, the traction method is again used for shape variation of the extended design boundary.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

The government of India has just gotten a vague estimate of "tens of billions" of dollars in order to take the next step in rolling out their broadband network.

TechCrunch

This has to be appreciated as a vague estimate since the number of annotated miRNAs varies strongly from 117 for bos taurus to 695 for homo sapiens, and expectations of the functionally active fraction of the genome presume amounts of miRNAs far above these numbers [ 3, 4].

BMC Genomics

Find Out How Much it Will Cost: As the details of your needs become more specific, you should be able to get a clear quote, not a vague estimate that leaves room for surprises on the final invoice.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If possible, provide a range or a margin of error alongside "vague estimates" to give your audience a better sense of the potential variability.

Common error

Avoid presenting "vague estimates" as definitive or highly reliable figures. Always acknowledge their limitations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague estimates" functions as a noun phrase, where "vague" modifies "estimates". It describes the nature of the estimates being discussed, indicating their lack of precision or clarity. As Ludwig confirms, this is a usable term.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vague estimates" is a grammatically sound and usable term for describing approximations that lack precision. Ludwig confirms its validity. While not extremely frequent, it appears commonly in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of the estimates and, if possible, provide a range or margin of error. Alternatives like "rough estimates" or "approximate figures" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid presenting "vague estimates" as highly reliable figures to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough estimates

Indicates a lack of precision and detail in the estimation, similar to "vague estimates".

approximate figures

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the figures being presented.

imprecise calculations

Highlights the lack of accuracy in the performed calculations.

ballpark figures

Suggests an estimation that is only generally accurate.

unsubstantiated estimations

Focuses on the lack of evidence supporting the estimations.

tenuous approximations

Highlights the weakness or fragility of the approximations.

uncertain predictions

Emphasizes the doubt and lack of confidence in the predictions.

speculative estimates

Suggests that the estimates are based on conjecture rather than solid data.

loose estimations

Indicates a relaxed or flexible approach to the estimation process.

general estimations

Emphasizes the broad and non-specific nature of the estimations.

FAQs

What does "vague estimates" mean?

The term "vague estimates" refers to approximations or calculations that lack precision, detail, or clarity. These estimates are not exact and may be based on incomplete information or assumptions.

How can I use "vague estimates" in a sentence?

You can use "vague estimates" when you want to acknowledge that the figures you are providing are not precise. For example: "The officials provided "vague estimates" of the crowd size."

What are some alternatives to "vague estimates"?

Some alternatives to "vague estimates" include "rough estimates", "approximate figures", or "imprecise calculations", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "vague estimates"?

It's appropriate to use "vague estimates" when precise data is unavailable or difficult to obtain, but some level of approximation is still needed. Always acknowledge the limitations of such estimates.