approximately ten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately ten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate an estimate or rough number, typically in contexts involving quantities, measurements, or time. Example: "The meeting will start in approximately ten minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Allow students approximately ten minutes to complete their notes.

The New York Times

Approximately ten inches high with a wooden base.

The New Yorker

Typical was the debate in Topeka, which took approximately ten minutes.

The New Yorker

Five thousand cases have been discovered, but most are treatable; so far, approximately ten people have died.

The New Yorker

In 1979, the twin Voyager space probes flew past Jupiter at approximately ten times the speed of a rifle bullet.

The New Yorker

Whole blood chemiluminescence was increased approximately ten fold in pregnancy.

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology

Severe forms were approximately ten folds higher than moderate forms.

Pregnancy Hypertension: An International Journal of Women's Cardiovascular Health

Geologic events were taught over approximately ten class sessions.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Participants presented with approximately ten areas of need on average.

Health & Justice

Approximately ten percent correspond to the sand fraction.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

With those terms, the algorithm organized the killings into approximately ten thousand groups.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approximately ten" when the exact number isn't crucial to the message and providing an estimate is sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately ten" when the exact number is known. If you have the precise figure, it's better to state it directly to avoid sounding vague or unsure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately ten" functions as an adverbial modifier specifying a quantity. It modifies a noun or verb phrase by providing an estimate of the number involved, indicating that the actual number is close to ten but not necessarily exact. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately ten" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate an estimated quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and general writing. While it is generally neutral in register, precise figures are preferred when accuracy is crucial. Related phrases like "roughly ten" or "about ten" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid over-precision and only use "approximately ten" when the exact number isn't known or necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly ten

Replaces "approximately" with a synonym indicating a similar level of imprecision.

about ten

Uses a more common and slightly less formal synonym for "approximately".

almost ten

Suggests the quantity is slightly less than ten.

nearly ten

Similar to "almost ten", implying a quantity close to, but not quite, ten.

around ten

Another common way to indicate an approximate quantity, similar to "about ten".

in the neighborhood of ten

A more verbose way of saying approximately ten, adding a slightly informal tone.

in the vicinity of ten

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

close to ten

Indicates a quantity that is not exactly ten, but not far from it.

tenish

An informal way to say approximately ten.

ten or so

A common and informal way to indicate an approximate quantity of ten.

FAQs

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

You can use "approximately ten" to indicate an estimated quantity, such as "There are approximately ten students in the class" or "The project will take approximately ten days to complete".

What phrases can I use instead of "approximately ten"?

You can use alternatives like "roughly ten", "about ten", or "nearly ten" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "approximately ten" or "around ten"?

Both "approximately ten" and "around ten" are acceptable. "Approximately ten" is slightly more formal, while "around ten" is more casual. The choice depends on the tone of your writing or speech.

When should I avoid using "approximately ten"?

Avoid using "approximately ten" in contexts where precise numbers are required, such as scientific measurements or financial reports. In such cases, provide the exact number or a range with a specified margin of error.