extend about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extend about" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something reaches or spreads over a certain area or distance, but it may require additional clarification. Example: "The forest extends about five miles to the north."

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Those near the Sun measure roughly 100 to 200 light-years in diameter, while those elsewhere in the galaxy typically extend about 700 light-years across.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The nasal and premaxillary bones extend about as far backward.

Wikipedia

Small clumps may extend about one light-year across.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tubules, if straightened, would extend about 70 cm (about 28 inches).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The outdoor tables at Muzzo Café extend about half a block in every direction.

The New Yorker

Along the Saoura (known as Wadi Messaoud farther south), date-palm groves extend about 200 miles (320 km).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This paper describes the interaction region (IR) extending about 8 m from the interaction point (IP) along each beam direction.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Loch Lomond extends about 24 miles (39 km), widening south in the shape of a triangle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I've had immense fun with Edge Extended (about $3 on Google Play).

The New York Times - Tech

It extends about 20,850sq miles and holds a volume of about 672 cubic miles.

The Guardian

From Dumbarton the firth extends about 65 miles (105 km) to the small island of Ailsa Craig.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial or temporal measurements, consider using more specific verbs like "span", "reach", or "stretch" combined with "about" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "extend about" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "span approximately" or "reach roughly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extend about" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the approximate spatial or temporal extent of something. Ludwig examples show it describing distances, lengths of objects, and durations. While acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests considering more precise language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

22%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extend about" is a phrase used to indicate an approximate length, distance, or duration. While grammatically sound, it is frequently found in diverse contexts like News & Media and Encyclopedias. Ludwig AI points out that the phrase is not incorrect but can often be replaced with more descriptive alternatives, such as "stretch to about", to enhance clarity and avoid repetitiveness. Therefore, while "extend about" serves its purpose, writers should aim for precision and variety in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stretch to about

"Stretch" emphasizes length or duration, adding a visual element, while "about" keeps the approximate nature.

span approximately

Replaces "extend" with "span" emphasizing the act of covering a distance, while "approximately" softens the exactness.

reach roughly

Substitutes "extend" with "reach", focusing on the endpoint, and "roughly" maintains the approximation.

spread to approximately

"Spread" conveys a widening or unfolding, paired with "approximately" for estimation.

cover nearly

Employs "cover" to indicate the area affected and "nearly" to convey an estimated quantity.

last for roughly

Emphasizes temporal duration, using "last" to indicate the duration and "roughly" for approximation.

go for around

Uses "go for" to suggest a general range and "around" to denote approximation.

continue for almost

Focuses on duration with "continue" and uses "almost" to signify an approximation.

amount to around

Indicates a total quantity or sum, with "around" specifying an approximate value.

approximate

A concise way to convey nearly the same meaning by using a verb that is close to the nature of the verb 'extend'.

FAQs

What does "extend about" mean?

"Extend about" means to reach or stretch to an approximate distance or degree. It's used to indicate the approximate length, duration, or scope of something.

How can I use "extend about" in a sentence?

You can use "extend about" to describe the approximate length or reach of something, such as: "The property line "stretches to about" 100 feet from the road".

What are some alternatives to "extend about"?

Alternatives to "extend about" include phrases like "span approximately", "reach roughly", or "cover nearly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "extend about" or "extends about"?

The choice between "extend about" and "extends about" depends on the subject. Use "extend about" with plural subjects (e.g., "The branches extend about 20 feet") and "extends about" with singular subjects (e.g., "The branch extends about 20 feet").