is approximately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is approximately' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when you want to estimate a number or to suggest that something is close to a certain number or situation. For example: The temperature outside is approximately 25 degrees Celsius.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Enrollment is approximately 1,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Enrollment is approximately 25,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is approximately 650 units.

The New York Times

Total student enrollment is approximately 2,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Total enrollment is approximately 21,000 students.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Undergraduate enrollment is approximately 3,600.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Total enrollment is approximately 6,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Total enrollment is approximately 32,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Total enrollment is approximately 7,000 students.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Total student enrollment is approximately 20,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gladbach's wage bill is approximately £28m.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is approximately", ensure the context allows for estimation. Avoid using it in situations where precise figures are required.

Common error

Avoid following "is approximately" with overly precise figures. For example, instead of "is approximately 25.34", round to a more general estimate like "is approximately 25".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is approximately" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the subsequent value or quantity is an estimation rather than a precise measurement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing non-exact figures. Examples on Ludwig show that it precedes numerical values and quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

22%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

30%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is approximately" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate an estimated value rather than a precise measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. Its neutral register and wide range of applications make it suitable for encyclopedias, news media, science, and general communication. It's crucial to avoid overly precise figures after using "is approximately" and to choose it when estimation is appropriate, as confirmed by Ludwig examples. Related phrases include "is about", "is around", and "is roughly", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing estimations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is about

Replaces "approximately" with "about", providing a slightly less formal estimation.

is around

Similar to "is about", this alternative conveys a sense of nearness in quantity or time.

is roughly

Using "roughly" instead of "approximately" implies a less precise estimate.

is nearly

"Nearly" suggests the value is just below the stated amount.

is almost

Similar to "is nearly", "almost" indicates approaching the specified value.

is close to

This phrase indicates the value is in the vicinity of the given figure.

is in the neighborhood of

A more descriptive way of saying something is near a certain value, often used for larger quantities.

is in the ballpark of

An idiomatic expression suggesting a rough estimate, often used in business contexts.

is of the order of

Used to convey the magnitude of a number, especially in scientific or technical contexts.

is something like

Offers a more casual way to express an approximation.

FAQs

How can I use "is approximately" in a sentence?

Use "is approximately" when you want to provide an estimate rather than an exact figure. For example, "The distance is approximately 50 miles."

What can I say instead of "is approximately"?

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

Which is correct, "is approximately" or "is exact"?

"Is approximately" suggests an estimate, while "is exact" indicates a precise value. The correct choice depends on whether you are providing an estimate or an exact measurement.

What's the difference between "is approximately" and "is exactly"?

"Is approximately" implies a degree of uncertainty or estimation, whereas "is exactly" denotes precision and accuracy with no room for deviation. The choice hinges on the context and the nature of the information you're conveying.