it is approximately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is approximately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when providing an estimate or rough calculation of a quantity, time, or measurement. Example: "The project will take it is approximately three weeks to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to the NIH's own numbers, meanwhile, it is approximately $950 million less than its 2012 level.

Huffington Post

WHR was selected since it is approximately equivalent to waist circumference regarding its association with diabetes among women [ 20].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It is approximately 15 minutes from the historic center.

The New York Times - Travel

It is approximately 350 miles (560 km) long and unnavigable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is approximately 50, not "something like 400".

The New York Times

Not coincidentally, some officials say it is approximately the time when the military would be ready to attack.

The New York Times

It is approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand and is the only inhabited US territory south of the equator.

The Guardian

It is approximately 400 miles (650 km) north to south and 200 to 400 miles wide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is approximately 1 yard (90 cm) long and holds about 1 pint (0.5 litre).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it would be, if not for one important detail: it is (approximately) the current law.

The New York Times

It is approximately 12.6 km in length.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is approximately" when providing an estimate where precision is not critical, but some degree of accuracy is still needed. For instance, stating "the distance is approximately 50 miles" is suitable when a precise measurement isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "it is approximately" when the value is known precisely. Saying "the meeting lasted it is approximately one hour" is incorrect if you know it lasted exactly one hour. Opt for precise language in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is approximately" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or adjective by indicating an estimated or inexact quantity, time, or measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is approximately" is a versatile expression used to provide estimates, suitable for various contexts from scientific reports to news articles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. When using this phrase, ensure that a degree of estimation is acceptable and precision is not required. For more precise alternatives, consider phrases like "it is roughly" or "it is about". Be mindful not to use "it is approximately" when the exact value is known to avoid misleading the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is roughly

Indicates a less precise estimation compared to "approximately".

it is about

Offers a general estimate, often used for simpler approximations.

it is in the neighborhood of

Suggests a value within a certain range, less specific than "approximately".

it is close to

Emphasizes proximity to a specific value rather than a general estimate.

it is nearly

Highlights that the value is just short of a particular number.

it is practically

Implies the value is almost equivalent to a certain amount.

it is more or less

Indicates a slight degree of variability around an estimated value.

it is around

Similar to "it is about" but can imply a less formal tone.

it is estimated to be

Highlights that the value is based on an estimation or calculation.

it is considered to be

Suggests an accepted or agreed-upon approximation within a specific context.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is approximately" to give an estimate. For example, "The journey will take "it is approximately" 3 hours".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is approximately"?

Alternatives include "it is roughly", "it is about", or "it is nearly", depending on the level of precision you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is approximately" instead of a precise measurement?

Use "it is approximately" when the exact value is unknown or unimportant, or when a rounded figure is sufficient for the context. If you know the exact value, it's best to state it directly.

Is "it is approximately" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "it is approximately" is suitable for formal writing when providing estimates. However, consider the context and audience. In scientific or technical writing where precision is paramount, avoid using it if exact figures are available.