approximately two thirds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately two thirds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express an estimate of a quantity that is about two-thirds of a whole. Example: "Approximately two thirds of the participants agreed with the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

By 2050, the House plan would cut federal health care spending by approximately two thirds.

The New York Times

Approximately two thirds (67%) of the responders were male.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

By deploying the prescribed method, uncertainty in model predictions is reduced by approximately two thirds.

Engineering Structures

Approximately two thirds of all human solid tumors derive from epithelial tissues.

Seminars in Radiation Oncology

Approximately two thirds of the patients had complains of an abdominal pain or discomfort.

Surgical Case Reports

The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of India's population.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Approximately two-thirds are arrested again within three years.

The New Yorker

With its rapid demographic and economic growth, urbanisation levels are approximately two-thirds that of Europe.

The Guardian

(They constitute approximately two-thirds of those being held in state prisons and municipal jails).

The New York Times

Approximately two-thirds of divorces — including those that come late in life — are initiated by wives.

The New York Times

The population of Istria, approximately two-thirds of which is Croatian, engages mostly in agriculture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approximately two thirds" when you need to convey an estimated proportion without being overly precise. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately two thirds" when you have exact figures. In such cases, provide the precise percentage or fraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately two thirds" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating an estimated quantity. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing proportions of populations, resources, or data sets.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately two thirds" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express an estimated proportion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. It’s important to use this phrase when precision isn't critical, and to avoid it when exact figures are available. Alternatives like "roughly two thirds" or "about two thirds" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly two thirds

Replaces "approximately" with "roughly", indicating a less precise estimation.

nearly two thirds

Substitutes "approximately" with "nearly", suggesting a close but not exact value.

almost two thirds

Replaces "approximately" with "almost", implying a slightly lesser quantity.

about two thirds

Uses "about" instead of "approximately", offering a more casual estimation.

around sixty-six percent

Uses a percentage to express the proportion, offering a more precise numerical representation.

close to two thirds

Suggests a quantity that is very near to two-thirds, implying a high degree of proximity.

something like two thirds

Indicates an estimation using a more informal and conversational tone.

more or less two thirds

Indicates a quantity that is close to two-thirds, allowing for minor variations.

in the vicinity of two thirds

Employs a more formal and descriptive phrase to convey an approximate quantity.

in the neighborhood of two thirds

Uses a spatial metaphor to express an approximate quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "approximately two thirds" in a sentence?

You can use "approximately two thirds" to indicate an estimated proportion or quantity that is close to two-thirds of a whole. For example, "Approximately two thirds of the students passed the exam".

What's the difference between "approximately two thirds" and "about two thirds"?

While both phrases convey an estimated proportion, "approximately two thirds" is slightly more formal than "about two thirds", which is more conversational.

Is it better to say "approximately two thirds" or "around 66 percent"?

It depends on the context. "Approximately two thirds" is generally preferred when you want to avoid specific numbers, while "around 66 percent" offers a more precise, albeit still estimated, figure.

What are some alternatives to using "approximately two thirds"?

Depending on the desired level of formality and precision, you can use alternatives like "roughly two thirds", "nearly two thirds", or "almost two thirds".