about twelve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about twelve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when estimating a quantity or time, indicating that the number is not exact but close to twelve. Example: "The meeting will start at about twelve, so please be on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

There were about twelve people in the house.

The New Yorker

"There are about twelve knives in there," Kramer said.

The New Yorker

Finally, some local opposition activists gave him the equivalent of about twelve dollars for the bus.

The New Yorker

She was about twelve.

The New Yorker

He looked about twelve years old.

The New Yorker

We did that about twelve, thirteen times".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He is about forty.

The New Yorker

"He looked about ninety.

The New Yorker

About eight.

The Guardian - Money

That took about two weeks.

Independent

[laughs] We did about four.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about twelve", ensure the context makes it clear what is being estimated. For example, "about twelve people" is more precise than just "about twelve".

Common error

Avoid using "about twelve" when a more precise number is readily available. If you know the exact quantity, use it instead of an approximation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about twelve" typically functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate an approximate amount. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase for estimations, demonstrated by examples estimating quantities and time. This function aligns with Ludwig AI examples of people, minutes, and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about twelve" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating an approximate quantity or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news, academic, and scientific writing. While versatile, remember that using a precise number is preferable when available. Common alternatives to "about twelve" include "approximately twelve" and "around twelve". Overall, "about twelve" serves as a useful tool for estimations and approximations in both speech and writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately twelve

Replaces "about" with a more formal synonym "approximately".

around twelve

Uses "around" instead of "about" for a slightly more informal tone.

roughly twelve

Uses "roughly" as a synonym for "about", indicating an estimated amount.

more or less twelve

Implies a slight variation above or below the number twelve.

close to twelve

Indicates that the actual number is near twelve.

nearly twelve

Indicates approaching the amount or degree of twelve.

in the neighborhood of twelve

A more descriptive and emphatic way of indicating approximation.

in the vicinity of twelve

Similar to "in the neighborhood of", but perhaps slightly more formal.

give or take a dozen

Expresses approximation by referencing the quantity "dozen".

in the ballpark of twelve

An idiom that expresses approximate quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "about twelve" in a sentence?

You can use "about twelve" to estimate a quantity or time. For instance, "There were "about twelve people" at the meeting", or "The movie lasted "about twelve minutes"".

What phrases are similar to "about twelve"?

Alternatives include "approximately twelve", "around twelve", and "roughly twelve". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "about twelve" or "approximately twelve"?

Both phrases are correct, but "approximately twelve" is slightly more formal than "about twelve". Use the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing.

When should I use a precise number instead of "about twelve"?

If the exact number is known and easily accessible, it's generally better to use the precise figure. Use "about twelve" only when the exact quantity is unknown or unimportant.