approximately this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately this time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a rough estimate of a specific time or period. Example: "The meeting is scheduled to start approximately this time next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At approximately this time, the B X component at FCC became more negative by about 100 nT, while that at SNK became less negative by a similar amount.

Earth, Planets and Space

Approximately this time last year, my life took a complete turn.

Huffington Post

Sæberht of the East Saxons also died at approximately this time, and he was succeeded by his three sons, none of whom were Christian.

Wikipedia

Yesterday, in scenes not seen since approximately this time last year, the streets of London were flooded with students protesting against the rising costs of university and further education.

Vice

Consequently, circulating listeriae could find a protective environment available at approximately this time.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

EVERY year about this time approximately 1m people including teachers, doctors and students—are dumped in Uzbekistan's cotton fields to pick "white gold".

The Economist

Approximately at this time Naranjo, a vassal of Calakmul, broke away when its king Aj Wosal died relatively soon after the death of Uneh Chan of Calakmul.

Wikipedia

The possibility that dogs originated in connection with the transition from hunter gathering to farming of rice (Bellwood, 2005) has been suggested, based on mtDNA indicating dogs to have originated approximately at this time (Pang et al., 2009).

Heredity

Here is what the handle should look like, approximately, at this time.

WikiHow

You can check the fit of the angles approximately at this time but until the opposite end is cut, it isn't possible to do exactly.

WikiHow

This is approximately the time taken for this animal to dive 700 m, which is a common foraging depth.

Biology Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approximately this time", ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific time being referenced. For instance, specify "approximately this time last year" or "approximately this time on Tuesday" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately this time" repeatedly in close proximity within the same text, as it can make your writing sound imprecise and repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "around this time" or "about this time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately this time" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying a point in time that is near or close to a particular reference. It serves to provide context for when an event occurred or is expected to occur, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately this time" serves as an adverbial modifier to denote a temporal approximation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for indicating a point in time near a specified reference. While categorized as rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register adaptable to both formal and informal settings. To enhance clarity and avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "around this time" or "about this time", and always ensure that the temporal reference is clearly established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around this time

Replaces "approximately" with "around", indicating a similar sense of nearness in time but with a slightly less formal tone.

about this time

Uses "about" instead of "approximately", providing a more casual way to express a similar temporal approximation.

at roughly this moment

Substitutes "approximately" with "roughly" and "time" with "moment", suggesting a slightly less precise estimation.

near this point in time

Replaces "approximately" with "near" and adds "in time" for clarity, offering a slightly more descriptive alternative.

in this general period

Emphasizes a broader timeframe using "general period" instead of a specific point in time.

close to this timeframe

Uses "close to" and "timeframe" to suggest a period near the specified time, rather than a specific instant.

in this vicinity of time

Employs "vicinity of time" to convey an approximate temporal location.

in the neighborhood of this time

Uses "neighborhood of" as a more figurative way to express approximation in time.

at an estimated time

Focuses on the estimated nature of the time being referred to, omitting the direct reference to "this".

at a similar time

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a time that is similar but not necessarily exactly the same.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "approximately this time"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in this general period" or "at roughly this moment". These options add a degree of precision and sophistication appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

How does "approximately this time" differ from "around this time"?

"Approximately this time" and "around this time" are largely interchangeable, but "approximately" suggests a slightly more calculated estimation, while "around" implies a more general nearness in time. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and precision.

When is it appropriate to use "approximately this time" in writing?

Use "approximately this time" when you need to indicate a point or period in time that is not exact but close to a specific moment. It is suitable for contexts where a precise time is either unknown or not critical to the information being conveyed.

What are some common alternatives to "approximately this time"?

Common alternatives include "about this time", "near this point in time", and "close to this timeframe". These options provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis.