around a hundred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a hundred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when estimating a quantity that is approximately one hundred, often in contexts where precision is not critical. Example: "There were around a hundred attendees at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Each guy I caught tonight was throwing around a hundred," Posey said.

The New York Times - Sports

A bottle of top-shelf twelve-year-old bourbon sells for around a hundred dollars.

The New Yorker

A five-hundred-dollar tent goes for around a hundred dollars on the black market.

The New Yorker

I could have managed around a hundred.

Independent

She plays around a hundred concerts a year.

The New Yorker

There were around a hundred people in the audience.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"You can turn around a one or two-goal deficit, but three is tough".

BBC

Implementing these ideas place estimates at extending human life to around a thousand years.

Huffington Post

Around a hundred million people live there.

The New Yorker

receives, delivers, and dispatches around a hundred million letters.

The New Yorker

Between 2010 and 2012, around a hundred thousand were killed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around a hundred" when a precise number is not necessary or known. It implies an approximation, suitable for general descriptions or estimations.

Common error

Avoid using "around a hundred" when you have the exact number. If you know the precise figure, stating it directly is more accurate and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a hundred" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, expressing an approximate quantity. It is a prepositional phrase that describes a numerical estimate. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around a hundred" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an approximate quantity. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in News & Media and Wiki contexts to provide estimations. While it's suitable for general conversation and news reporting, more precise language might be preferred in formal academic or scientific writing. Alternatives like "approximately one hundred" or "about a hundred" can be used depending on the context. Knowing when to use approximations versus precise figures is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately one hundred

Replaces "around" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a numerical approximation.

about a hundred

Uses a more casual synonym for "around", suitable for informal contexts.

in the neighborhood of one hundred

Emphasizes that the quantity is close to, but not exactly, one hundred.

close to a hundred

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

nearly a hundred

Indicates that the quantity is slightly less than one hundred.

almost one hundred

Similar to "nearly a hundred", suggesting the quantity is just below one hundred.

in the vicinity of one hundred

A more formal and precise way of saying "around a hundred".

a hundred or so

Emphasizes the approximate nature of the quantity, suggesting it could be slightly more or less than one hundred.

one hundred give or take

Explicitly states that the quantity is an estimate with a margin of error.

roughly one hundred

Similar to "approximately one hundred", but slightly less formal.

FAQs

How can I use "around a hundred" in a sentence?

You can use "around a hundred" to estimate a quantity. For example, "There were "around a hundred" people at the event" indicates an approximate attendance.

What are some alternatives to saying "around a hundred"?

Alternatives include "approximately one hundred", "about a hundred", or "nearly a hundred", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "around 100" instead of "around a hundred"?

Yes, "around 100" is also correct and commonly used. Both phrases convey the same meaning of approximating the number one hundred.

What's the difference between "around a hundred" and "exactly a hundred"?

"Around a hundred" implies an approximation, while "exactly a hundred" indicates a precise count. Use "around a hundred" when the exact number is unknown or unimportant.