approximately twenty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately twenty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate an estimated quantity or number that is close to twenty but not exact. Example: "There were approximately twenty participants at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

One box contained approximately twenty pounds of human hair.

The New Yorker

Approximately twenty terabytes of unique information passed around the world every minute.

The New Yorker

Allow approximately twenty minutes for the groups to research their topic.

The New York Times

By most accounts, approximately twenty people had been killed across the country: rioters, police, a TV cameraman, bystanders.

The New Yorker

Compared to their male counterparts, females' probability of commencing VET is approximately twenty percentage points lower.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Yifat has approximately twenty years of experience working with technology companies, in venture capital, banking, and consulting.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

There are approximately twenty-five minlIraqIraqIraqn Iraq.

The New Yorker

Approximately twenty thousand oil spills are reported in America every year.

The New Yorker

According to Anthony Lane, there are approximately "twenty-one people" who haven't read Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl".

The New Yorker

According to people with knowledge of the company, Orbis grossed approximately twenty million dollars in its first nine years.

The New Yorker

Hamza issued a "renewable" seven-day prison sentence, with bail set at approximately twenty-six thousandollarsrs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing numerical data, use "approximately twenty" to indicate that the value is an estimate rather than a precise figure. This adds a layer of transparency and avoids misleading the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately twenty" when more accurate data is available. If you know the exact number, presenting it as an approximation can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately twenty" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating an estimation or an imprecise quantity close to the number twenty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approximately twenty" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an estimated quantity close to the number twenty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, particularly in science and news media. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to avoid overstating precision by using it only when an exact number isn't available or necessary. Alternatives like "about twenty" or "around twenty" offer similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about twenty

Uses a simpler, more direct quantifier.

around twenty

Similar to 'about', indicating a general vicinity around the number.

roughly twenty

Emphasizes that the number is an estimate.

close to twenty

Highlights proximity to the number.

an estimated twenty

Explicitly states that the figure is an estimate.

nearly twenty

Indicates that the number is slightly less than twenty.

almost twenty

Similar to 'nearly', suggesting the number is just shy of twenty.

in the neighborhood of twenty

More informal way of indicating an approximation.

in the vicinity of twenty

A more formal way of indicating an approximation.

in the ballpark of twenty

Idiomatic expression for a rough estimate.

FAQs

How do I use "approximately twenty" in a sentence?

You can use "approximately twenty" to indicate an estimated quantity. For example, "There were approximately twenty people at the meeting".

What can I say instead of "approximately twenty"?

You can use alternatives like "about twenty", "around twenty", or "roughly twenty" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "approximately twenty" in formal writing?

Yes, using "approximately twenty" is acceptable in formal writing when you need to convey an estimate, but avoid it if a precise number is known.

What is the difference between "approximately twenty" and "more than twenty"?

"Approximately twenty" indicates a number close to twenty, whereas "more than twenty" indicates the number is certainly above twenty, without specifying how much higher.