well-calculated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well-calculated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been carefully thought out or planned with precision. Example: "Her well-calculated decision to invest in the stock market paid off significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Everything Malala does is well-calculated, composed.

The Guardian

Dr. Guarente's startling insight into caloric restriction was gained by taking a large though well-calculated career risk.

The New York Times - Science

Esterhazy, in a typically reckless though well-calculated move, demanded a court-martial, which, held in secret, ended, predictably, with his acquittal.

The New Yorker

And here the American-backed, Sunni-led coalition appears to have conducted a well-calculated negative campaign, stoking sectarian tensions and fears of Iranian and Syrian dominance.

The New York Times

Well-calculated passing from Saad to Kamara to Feilhaber to Bieler and the out-playing of Toronto's defense were great reminders that SKC belongs at the top.

The Guardian - Sport

The art here (under Mark Lonergan's direction) is in leading the audience along at a well-calculated pace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

His pacing, often deliberate, was well calculated to let the overlapping lines sort themselves out.

The New York Times - Arts

Its timing was well calculated.

The Economist

Her movements are so well calculated they seem almost choreographed.

The New Yorker

The sense of movement was well calculated and the control almost complete.

The New York Times - Arts

His drops are incredible, the bass is ridiculously heavy and his overall sound is messy but still well calculated".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well-calculated" when you want to emphasize that something was not just planned, but planned with precision and foresight. It implies a level of competence and careful consideration.

Common error

While "well-calculated" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal or even pretentious in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "careful" or "thoughtful" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-calculated" functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe actions, decisions, or plans made with careful thought and precision. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct, as demonstrated through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-calculated" is a grammatically correct phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to describe something meticulously planned and executed. It appears frequently in news, science, and to a lesser extent, encyclopedic contexts, making it suitable for formal writing. The phrase conveys precision and careful consideration. While useful, overuse in informal settings can make the speaker sound pretentious. As Ludwig indicates, consider alternatives like "carefully planned" or "strategically developed" for variety and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefully planned

Focuses on the planning aspect, emphasizing foresight and preparation rather than the calculation itself.

carefully considered

Highlights the thorough evaluation and deliberation that went into making a decision or forming an opinion.

thoughtfully designed

Highlights the deliberate and considerate nature of the design process, implying a focus on user experience or aesthetics.

precisely engineered

Emphasizes the accuracy and technical skill involved in creating something, often used in a scientific or technical context.

deliberately crafted

Highlights the intentional and skillful creation of something, suggesting attention to detail and artistic merit.

strategically developed

Emphasizes the strategic thinking and long-term planning involved in the development process.

methodically executed

Focuses on the systematic and organized approach to carrying out a plan or task.

purposefully constructed

Stresses the intentional and goal-oriented nature of the construction process, suggesting a clear objective and deliberate design.

calculated

This is a shorter form of the original phrase, losing the emphasis on the positive connotation that "well" adds.

judiciously chosen

Emphasizes the wise and careful selection of something, implying a discerning and thoughtful approach.

FAQs

How can I use "well-calculated" in a sentence?

The phrase "well-calculated" describes something carefully planned and executed. For example: "Her "well-calculated risk" paid off handsomely."

What are some alternatives to "well-calculated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "carefully planned", "thoughtfully designed", or "strategically developed".

Is "well-calculated" the same as "calculated"?

While similar, "well-calculated" implies a higher degree of success or positive outcome. "Calculated" simply means planned, while "well-calculated" suggests the plan was effective.

When is it appropriate to use "well-calculated" in writing?

"Well-calculated" is suitable for formal writing, reports, or analytical pieces where precision and careful planning are key elements. It might be less appropriate in informal or casual contexts.