more or less

USAGE SUMMARY

"more or less" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is generally true, but not exact or precise. For example: "We arrived more or less at the same time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More or less.

The New York Times

(Mixtapes, more or less).

The New Yorker

Bribery, more or less.

The New Yorker

Chick agreed, more or less.

The New Yorker

Everybody, more or less, sang.

The New Yorker

Everything sticks, more or less.

The New York Times - Arts

"More or less," he said.

The New York Times

It more or less does.

The New York Times

I agree, more or less.

The New York Times

A blank, more or less.

The New Yorker

That's more or less accurate.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more or less" to acknowledge slight inaccuracies or variations in a statement, adding a layer of honesty and realism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "more or less" excessively, as it can dilute the impact of your statements and make your writing seem vague. Opt for more precise language when accuracy is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more or less" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, adding nuance to statements by indicating approximation, estimation, or a general sense of truth without strict precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful part of English vocabulary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more or less" serves as an adverbial modifier to indicate approximation or a near state, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used in news, media, and informal contexts to soften claims and acknowledge potential inaccuracies. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it or using it in contexts requiring strict precision. Consider alternatives like "approximately" or "roughly" for nuanced expression. By avoiding overuse and maintaining awareness of the context, you can effectively incorporate it in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately

Emphasizes a numerical or quantitative estimation rather than a qualitative assessment.

roughly

Suggests a lack of precision and detail in the estimation.

about

Indicates a less formal and more casual approximation.

nearly

Highlights that the condition is close to being completely fulfilled.

almost

Focuses on the small difference between the current state and a completed state.

in the ballpark

An idiomatic expression suggesting a result that's close to the actual value or condition, without being precise.

give or take

Emphasizes the allowance for a small margin of error or variation.

or so

Used after a number to indicate an approximate quantity.

something like

Specifies that the situation is similar to the stated condition.

close to

Highlights proximity to a specific value or state.

FAQs

How can I use "more or less" in a sentence?

Use "more or less" to indicate that something is approximately true but not perfectly exact. For example, "The project is more or less complete" suggests it's close to being finished.

What phrases are similar to "more or less"?

You can use alternatives like "approximately", "roughly", or "nearly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "more or less" or a precise measurement?

It depends on the context. Use "more or less" when an approximation is sufficient. If accuracy is important, provide a precise measurement or value.

When is it inappropriate to use "more or less"?

Avoid using "more or less" in situations where precision is critical, such as in legal documents, scientific reports, or medical instructions. Instead, opt for precise and unambiguous language.