on or around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on or around" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to give an approximate time period within which an event took place. For example: "The party was held on or around the 4th of July."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gone are the annoying steering column stalks; most functions are now found on, or around, the steering wheel.

The New York Times

Two weeks ago, Howard Wolfson promised the returns would be released "on or around April 15".

Huffington Post

For the back foot you should have the ball of your foot on or around the center of the tail.

WikiHow

Participating schools will plant one tree on or around 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD).

WikiHow

An interim statement on the investigation will be released on or around the one-year anniversary of the accident.

The Guardian

Sea life does not discriminate between the natural reefs and artificial ones and will grow on or around anything stable.

The New York Times

WIMBLEDON is used to its dramas, its shocks and sensations, but they traditionally happen on or around Center Court.

The New York Times - Books

Many restaurants offer free meals on or around Veterans Day.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Do not put on eyes or around eyes.

WikiHow

What's going on in or around the British Library?

Independent

As the stylebook says, make it "center on" or "revolve around," but not "center around".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on or around" when precision is not crucial, but an approximate time, location, or value is needed. It adds a touch of flexibility to your statement.

Common error

While "on or around" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing where exactness is expected. Instead, provide specific dates or use more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on or around" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb by providing an approximation of time, location, or quantity. It indicates that something occurred close to a specific point but not necessarily exactly at that point. Ludwig confirms that the expression is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on or around" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to express approximation, particularly in relation to time, location, or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly found in news articles and academic writing, indicating its broad acceptability. While useful for conveying flexibility, avoid overusing "on or around" in formal or scientific contexts where precision is paramount. Alternatives such as "approximately", "about", or "in the vicinity of" offer alternative ways to express approximation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately

This is a single-word synonym emphasizing a general estimate.

roughly

This suggests an estimate without requiring extreme precision.

about

This is a simpler and more concise way to indicate an estimate.

close to

This indicates nearness, often used for numbers, times, or locations.

in the vicinity of

This alternative focuses on proximity, primarily related to location.

near to

A less common but still valid alternative meaning "close to".

in the neighborhood of

Similar to "in the vicinity of", this suggests a range close to a specific point.

somewhere around

This conveys a lack of precision in indicating a location or time.

give or take

This emphasizes a slight possible variation from a given number or time.

in the ballpark of

An informal way to suggest an approximate quantity or range.

FAQs

How can I use "on or around" in a sentence?

Use "on or around" to indicate an approximate date, time, or location. For example, "The meeting will be held "on or around" July 15th" suggests the meeting may occur a few days before or after that date.

What are some alternatives to saying "on or around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "approximately", "about", or "in the vicinity of".

Is there a difference between "on or around" and "on or about"?

The phrases "on or around" and "on or about" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both indicate an approximation, but "on or around" might suggest a slightly wider range of possibilities.

When should I avoid using "on or around" in my writing?

Avoid using "on or around" in contexts where precise information is necessary, such as legal documents or scientific reports. In these cases, provide exact dates, times, or locations whenever possible.