maybe around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maybe around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an approximate time or location, suggesting uncertainty or flexibility. Example: "The meeting will start maybe around 3 PM, but I will confirm later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They're high, maybe around 9cms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe AROUND them accidentally -- like when I can't get the front door open or drop something on my toe - but not AT them.

HuffPost

This tattoo will be around longer than your mortgage, maybe around longer than your spouse, and frankly you will still have it in your coffin.

HuffPost

"Maybe around 20 men rape one woman.

Independent

Eventually, maybe around 11, we fall asleep.

The New York Times

"He's the best, maybe around the world," says one guy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Maybe walk around with the crutches.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe stick around a little longer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Well, in case you think of something while I'm — " "Lunch with Barney, maybe drive around".

The New Yorker

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Vice

Maybe carry around blueprint paper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maybe around" to introduce an estimate when precision is not crucial or when exact information is unavailable. This softens the statement and acknowledges potential variation.

Common error

Avoid using "maybe around" excessively in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise language or alternatives like "approximately" or "in the vicinity of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maybe around" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb by providing an estimate or approximation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maybe around" serves as a versatile tool for expressing approximations in English. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While more suited for informal communication, it can be used effectively when precision is not essential. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "approximately" or "in the vicinity of". Remember to avoid overusing "maybe around" in professional documents and always tailor your language to suit your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about

Commonly used to express approximation, applicable in various contexts.

or so

Indicates an approximate quantity or time, often added to a number.

approximately

Indicates a close estimate, emphasizing numerical nearness.

roughly

Suggests a lack of precision, indicating a broad estimate.

in the vicinity of

Refers to a spatial or temporal proximity, implying a lack of exactness.

in the neighborhood of

Similar to "in the vicinity of" but can apply more broadly than just location.

something like

Expresses an estimation of a quality or characteristic.

give or take

Implies a minor deviation from a stated value.

circa

Specifically used for approximate dates or years.

in the realm of

Suggests being within a certain range or category.

FAQs

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

You can use "maybe around" to express an approximation of time, quantity or location, for example, "The meeting will start maybe around 3 PM", or "There were maybe around 50 people at the event".

What phrases can I use instead of "maybe around"?

Alternatives to "maybe around" include "approximately", "roughly", or "about", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "maybe around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "maybe around" is generally more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "approximately" or "in the vicinity of".

What's the difference between "maybe around" and "approximately"?

"Maybe around" implies a degree of uncertainty and informality, while "approximately" is more formal and suggests a closer estimation.