approximately a thousand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately a thousand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate an estimate of a quantity that is around one thousand. Example: "The event attracted approximately a thousand attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

A well-characterized example is the protein-protein interaction network of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with approximately a thousand putative interactions involving an approximate equal number of proteins [ 1].

BMC Systems Biology

Step 2: The Choppening Chop approximately a thousand carrots.

The New Yorker

The project consists of approximately a thousand photographs, showing styles over a period of thirty years.

The New Yorker

This is approximately a thousand times faster than the speed of a car on an empty freeway.

University of California, Berkeley

The Mississippi swung into its present course — and began to lay down Plaquemines Parish and the Birdfoot — approximately a thousand years ago.

The New Yorker

Tacked here and there are paint chips from Benjamin Moore, which she once used as aides to memorize the aromas of approximately a thousand chemicals.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

During lunch Quivers laughed approximately a hundred and sixty times.

The New Yorker

Miller took approximately a hundred and seventy portraits during the rally.

The New Yorker

That means we'll need approximately a hundred and twenty thousand square feet".

The New Yorker

The last question has approximately a hundred and fifty answers, because Susan has approximately a hundred and fifty Alaskan Husky sled dogs, who live outside her log cabin in the Alaskan bush.

The New Yorker

The painting, which sold for seventy dollars in 1958, was recently valued at approximately a hundred and ninety million.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approximately a thousand", ensure the context supports an estimated value. Avoid using it when precision is required.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately a thousand" when a more precise number is available or when the context demands accuracy. Using it when an exact figure is known undermines credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately a thousand" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating an estimated quantity. It modifies a noun, providing an indication of its numerical extent. Ludwig provides examples showing its wide application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately a thousand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used quantifier, according to Ludwig examples. It serves to convey an estimated quantity of around one thousand, and is suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, it's best to avoid it when precision is necessary. Alternatives such as "about a thousand" or "roughly a thousand" offer similar meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about one thousand

Replaces "approximately" with a more direct synonym, maintaining the same level of approximation.

roughly one thousand

Uses a different synonym for "approximately", suggesting a similar level of estimation.

around one thousand

Offers another common synonym for "approximately", indicating an estimated quantity.

in the neighborhood of a thousand

Provides a more descriptive way of expressing an approximate quantity.

close to a thousand

Indicates that the quantity is near but not necessarily over a thousand.

nearly a thousand

Suggests the quantity is approaching one thousand but might be slightly less.

almost a thousand

Similar to "nearly a thousand", indicating the quantity is just below one thousand.

a thousand or so

Adds a casual tone, suggesting a quantity of one thousand give or take.

in the vicinity of one thousand

A more formal way of expressing an approximate quantity.

an estimated thousand

Highlights that the figure is an estimation, implying it might not be exact.

FAQs

How can I use "approximately a thousand" in a sentence?

Use "approximately a thousand" to indicate an estimated quantity that is around one thousand, as in, "The study involved approximately a thousand participants."

What phrases are similar to "approximately a thousand"?

Similar phrases include "about one thousand", "roughly one thousand", or "around one thousand", which all convey an estimated quantity.

Is it better to say "approximately a thousand" or "about a thousand"?

Both "approximately a thousand" and "about a thousand" are acceptable. "Approximately" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on the context and personal preference.

When should I avoid using "approximately a thousand"?

Avoid using "approximately a thousand" when the exact number is known and precision is important. In such cases, use the specific number instead to maintain accuracy.