What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ballpark
Example
Can you give me a ballpark figure for the cost of the project? [ballpark: noun]
Example
I would say the temperature is in the ballpark of 25 degrees Celsius. [ballpark: preposition]
estimate
Example
The contractor provided an estimate for the cost of the renovation. [estimate: noun]
Example
Based on the data, we can estimate that the population will reach 10 million by next year. [estimate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Estimate is more commonly used than ballpark in everyday language. Estimate is widely used in various fields and industries, while ballpark is more specific to certain contexts like sports or informal conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ballpark and estimate?
While ballpark is associated with a casual and informal tone, estimate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in professional settings and formal writing.