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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I approximately
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "I approximately" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is typically used when you want to express an estimation or rough calculation, but it needs to be followed by a specific context or object to be meaningful. Example: "I approximately know the distance to the nearest gas station."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
An r-g of less than zero causes it to fall.Our interactive model uses the nominal interest rate (i) approximately equivalent to the ten-year bond yield and allows you to input your own inflation rate, π.
News & Media
Congruent with theory and simulations, M R gluc max showed in our experiments an average 21% statistical power improvement with respect to MRgluc and 10% with respect to K i (approximately 20% savings in sample size).
Science
h SEM image of ZIF-8 particles grown on PET film printed with protein and a pattern (i) (approximately 5 cm × 3 cm) of a monkey representing lunar year of 2016 formed by ZIF-8 particles grown on PET film printed with protein.
In this case, C h (CET = 2.7 nm) was comparable with C i (approximately 1-nm native SiO2) and the frequency dispersion effect was attributed to losses in the interfacial layer capacitance, caused by interfacial dislocation and intrinsic differences in the bonding coordination across the chemically abrupt ZrO2/SiO2 interface.
Science
Out of approximately 625,000 Canadians who served in World War I, approximately 60,000 were killed and another 172,000 were wounded.
Wiki
First, many European countries and the U.S. began to experience their tobacco epidemic in 1920s, after World War I, approximately 30 years earlier than Asian countries [ 69].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
As can be seen, in the sampled range, K i is approximately linear in [glc].
Science
It displayed high tolerance to xylose, with K i value approximately 1000 mM.
Science
"I observed that I had approximately the same chances of achieving that position as of becoming an astronaut," he said.
News & Media
"The amount of room I occupy now I pay approximately £850 per calendar month," he said.
News & Media
I waited approximately 0.5 seconds before I followed with my most casual "K, well, bye!" I turned for the exit.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "I approximately". Instead, use more grammatically sound alternatives such as "I estimate", "I approximate", or "approximately". Clearly indicate what you are estimating to provide context.
Common error
Do not place "approximately" directly after "I" without a verb. This creates an ungrammatical sentence. Instead, ensure that "approximately" modifies a verb or a numerical value.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I approximately" is grammatically incorrect and does not function as a complete grammatical unit in English. Adverbs like "approximately" need to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Frequent in
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "I approximately" is grammatically unsound and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is not correct. It is essential to use correct phrasing and choose alternatives such as "I estimate" or "approximately" followed by the value being estimated, to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I approximate
Uses the verb form of "approximately", which is grammatically sound.
I estimate
Indicates a more formal and calculated approximation.
I roughly calculate
Specifies the method of approximation as a calculation.
I would say about
Introduces the approximation with a hedging phrase.
I reckon
Is informal and more common in certain dialects.
I figure
Suggests a less precise and more intuitive estimation.
I ballpark
Is an informal term meaning to give a rough estimate.
I gauge
Implies an assessment based on available information or observation.
I guess around
Combines uncertainty with approximation.
I predict about
Links approximation with a forecast or prediction.
FAQs
Why is "I approximately" considered grammatically incorrect?
The phrase "I approximately" is incorrect because "approximately" is an adverb that needs to modify a verb or a numerical value. Directly following the pronoun "I" is grammatically unsound. You can say "I approximate" or use "approximately" before the quantity being estimated.
What can I say instead of "I approximately"?
You can use alternatives like "I estimate", "I reckon", or "I would say about" depending on the context and level of formality required.
Which is correct, "I approximately" or "I approximate"?
"I approximate" is the correct form. The verb "approximate" can be used to express making an estimation, whereas "approximately" requires a verb to modify.
How can I use "approximately" correctly in a sentence?
Use "approximately" to modify a verb, adjective, or number. For example: "The project will cost approximately $1000", or "I approximately calculated how much I would spend this month".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested