from about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an approximate time or quantity, suggesting a range or estimation. Example: "The event will take place from about 6 PM to 8 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Overglaze colours date from about 1835.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These date from about 600 bce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche), dating from about 1200.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're counting on Friday, from about 9am.

The Guardian

Rooms start from about $140 a night.

BBC

They can weigh from about 700-1000 kg.

Wikipedia

Doubles from about $55.

The New York Times

wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au; from about $235.

The New York Times

Suites from about $815.

The New York Times

From about $200.

The New York Times - Travel

Room rates from about $335.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from about" to indicate an approximate starting point, especially when precision isn't crucial. For instance, "The meeting will last from about 2 PM to 4 PM."

Common error

Avoid using "from about" excessively in formal writing where precise figures are expected. Instead, provide the exact values or use a more formal approximation like "approximately" or "in the region of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from about" functions as a prepositional modifier, indicating an approximate starting point or range. Ludwig AI analysis of various contexts indicates its use in providing estimations or approximations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "from about" is a commonly used prepositional phrase employed to indicate an approximate starting point or range. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While it maintains a neutral register, it's frequently found in news media and general informational contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "approximately from" might be preferred. Using "from about" effectively involves understanding its role in providing estimations without requiring exact precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately from

Emphasizes the approximate starting point with a slightly more formal tone.

around

A more concise and informal way to indicate an approximate time or amount.

roughly from

Indicates a less precise estimate compared to "from about".

in the vicinity of

Suggests a range or area around a specific point, applicable to quantities or locations.

in the neighborhood of

Similar to "in the vicinity of", implies a general area or range.

starting around

Focuses on the commencement point with an approximate indication of time or quantity.

in the area of

Commonly used for estimations of amounts or numerical values.

give or take

Indicates an estimation with a margin of error.

something like

Suggests a similarity to an approximate value or description.

more or less

Implies an approximation that may be slightly higher or lower than the stated value.

FAQs

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

Use "from about" to indicate an approximate starting point or duration. For instance, "The conference runs from about 9 AM to 5 PM." It implies a rough estimate rather than an exact time.

What phrases can I use instead of "from about"?

You can use alternatives such as "approximately from", "around", or "roughly from" to convey a similar meaning of approximation.

Is it appropriate to use "from about" in formal writing?

While "from about" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "approximately" or "in the vicinity of" might be preferred in academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "from about" and "approximately from"?

"From about" is slightly more informal and conversational, while "approximately from" carries a more formal tone, although their meanings are very similar.