probably around

USAGE SUMMARY

"probably around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to indicate an approximate time or location. For example, "We should arrive there probably around 7pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was probably around 2002.

Independent

I wanted to get into fashion from an early age, probably around 13.

The New York Times

The average amount of square footage that we rent out is probably around 5,000.

The New York Times

Number two is probably around devices.

BBC

One source says the valuation is probably around $35 million.

TechCrunch

This car is a beautiful high-speed coupe, but high priced, probably around $80,000.

Forbes

I think that was probably around... David: Third year?

Huffington Post

Our first camp was probably around 70% fitness work - power, endurance, conditioning.

BBC

Probably around 1937.

The New York Times

Probably around $3 trillion".

The New York Times

"Probably around periwinkle".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probably around" to soften estimations, making them less definitive and more conversational. For example, instead of saying "It costs $50", say "It probably costs around $50".

Common error

While useful for casual conversation, overuse of "probably around" in formal reports or academic papers can weaken your claims. Use more precise language where possible to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably around" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening a statement of approximation. According to Ludwig, it indicates an estimate or a non-exact quantity or time, adding a layer of uncertainty to the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "probably around" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to indicate approximation or estimation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While acceptable across registers, avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise language is preferred. Related phrases such as "approximately" or "roughly" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the context. When aiming for clarity, "probably around" serves as a reliable way to soften claims and present estimates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Approximately

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb indicating nearness to a specific number or value.

About

A simpler way to express approximation, suitable for less formal contexts.

Roughly

Similar to "approximately", but often used for less precise estimations.

In the vicinity of

Indicates a range or area near a specific value or location, offering a more formal tone.

Close to

Emphasizes proximity to a specific value or time.

In the neighborhood of

Similar to "in the vicinity of" but slightly less formal.

Give or take

Highlights that the stated value is an estimation with a margin of error.

Around about

A slightly more informal and conversational way to say approximately.

More or less

Indicates a general agreement or similarity with slight variations.

Something like

Used when providing an example or comparison to indicate something similar but not exact.

FAQs

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

You can use "probably around" to indicate an approximation of a number, time, or location. For instance, "The meeting will probably start around 2 PM", or "The cost will probably be around $100".

What are some alternatives to "probably around"?

Alternatives include "approximately", "about", or "roughly" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "approximately" or "probably around"?

The choice depends on the context. "Approximately" is more formal and precise, while "probably around" is more casual and conversational. Use "approximately" in formal writing and "probably around" in less formal settings.

Can "probably around" be used for precise statements?

No, "probably around" is used to indicate an estimation or approximation, not a precise measurement. If you have exact figures, it is better to use those instead.