measuring approximately

USAGE SUMMARY

"measuring approximately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the length, width, or height of something, especially when the exact measurement is unknown. For example: The bed frame was 6 feet long, measuring approximately 72 inches.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The measurement confirmed a bulbous shape measuring approximately 300 m in diameter and narrowing in the downward vertical direction.

Earth, Planets and Space

Cut the sheets of pastry to produce 16 rectangles measuring approximately 17cm x 23cm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Motagua is Guatemala's longest river, measuring approximately 250 miles (400 km).

Britannica

In less than 24 hours nine villages were cleared in an area measuring approximately 200 square kilometres.

The Guardian

The vast clearing – measuring approximately 110m by 60 m – was once the main city square, full of markets and lined by caravanserai (roadside inns).

The Guardian

The images show the graves laid out in regular, curving rows running east from the abbey church, measuring approximately 80 metres by 60 metres.

The Guardian

By using that corner -- an area measuring approximately seven acres -- as the site for a memorial, planners would accomplish two goals.

The New York Times

The largest cluster now remaining in the development is in an oval-shaped conservation easement at its center, measuring approximately 120 feet by 600 feet.

The New York Times

Since 1995, treated discharge has been banned in two zones, measuring approximately 60 miles, that are part of municipal drinking supplies.

The New York Times

There was a time when the outcrop of rock that looms over the city of Aleppo, measuring approximately 160 x 280m, was just an attractive grass-covered plateau.

The Guardian

The herpesviruses are characterized structurally by virions (virus particles) measuring approximately 150 200 nm (1 nm = 10−9 metre) in diameter.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "measuring approximately" when you do not have an exact measurement, but have a reasonable estimate. This adds a level of accuracy while acknowledging uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "measuring approximately" when you have precise measurements. This phrase is best used for estimates, and using it with exact figures can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "measuring approximately" functions as a qualifier, modifying a verb to indicate that the measurement is an estimate rather than an exact value. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "measuring approximately" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating estimated measurements. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and common use across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general knowledge. While alternatives like "roughly measures" or "about the size of" exist, "measuring approximately" provides a balanced level of formality and precision. When writing, ensure that you use this phrase when you lack exact measurements to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately measures

Reverses the order of the words, slightly shifting the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

nearly measures

Focuses on the measurement being close to a specific value.

roughly measures

Emphasizes the inexact nature of the measurement with a more informal tone.

measures around

Indicates a measurement that is close to a certain value, implying a degree of estimation.

in the vicinity of

Indicates a value that is near a certain point, implying some uncertainty.

on the order of

Suggests a magnitude or scale, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

about the size of

Compares the size to a known object, providing a relatable sense of scale.

in the neighborhood of

Suggests an approximate value within a certain range, commonly used for numerical estimations.

close to

Simplifies the expression to indicate nearness to a specific measurement.

around

Uses a single word to convey approximation, making it concise and informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "measuring approximately" to describe the dimensions or size of an object when the exact measurement is not known or necessary. For example, "The room was rectangular, measuring approximately 12 feet by 15 feet."

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

"Measuring approximately" indicates an estimate or a close value, whereas "measuring exactly" ("measuring exactly") signifies a precise and accurate measurement.

What are some alternatives to "measuring approximately"?

Some alternatives include "roughly measures", "about the size of", or "nearly measures", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to use "measuring approximately" or give a range?

Whether to use "measuring approximately" or provide a range depends on the level of precision available and the context. If you have a rough estimate, "measuring approximately" is suitable. If you have a range of possible values, providing that range offers more specific information.