should be approximately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be approximately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing an estimate or rough calculation of a value or measurement. Example: "The project completion time should be approximately three weeks, depending on the resources available."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ideal handover period should be approximately two weeks.

Harvard Business Review

Spacing of transducers should be approximately 90 mm.

Construction and Building Materials

The essay should be approximately sixty pages in length.

Yale University

The personal statement should be approximately 500 words long.

Columbia University

Cost of taxi should be approximately CAN$5.00.

Columbia University

Papers should be approximately 3000 – 4000 words in length.

University of California, Berkeley

The results of the simulation showed that the spacing distance between the control holes should be approximately 2.5 m, the effective blasting radius should be approximately 4.5 m.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The results of this study suggest that the maximum grain size should be approximately 1.5 km.

Ecological Modelling

At or immediately after the peak signal voltage, the duty cycle should be approximately zero percent.

Cornell University

Taxi fare should be approximately $25, including the toll ($3.00) for the bridge.

Columbia University

The personal statement should be approximately two to four pages, double-spaced.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be approximately", ensure the context implies an estimation rather than a precise measurement. Provide units or a range to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "should be approximately" when precise figures are available. Opt for exact values to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be approximately" functions as a qualifier indicating an estimation or approximation. It modifies a value, suggesting it is not exact but reasonably close, and the auxiliary verb "should" adds an element of expectation or recommendation. As Ludwig indicates, this expression is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

Science

26%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

News & Media

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be approximately" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an estimated or approximate value, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears across diverse contexts such as academia, science, news, and general writing. While it conveys a sense of expectation, it's crucial to use it appropriately when precision isn't necessary or available. Remember to provide units or context to maintain clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be around

Emphasizes expectation rather than a precise calculation.

is estimated to be

Highlights the estimation aspect of the statement.

is roughly

Provides a less formal way to indicate an approximate value.

is in the neighborhood of

Suggests a value within a certain range.

is in the vicinity of

Similar to "in the neighborhood of" but slightly more formal.

is close to

Indicates a value that is near another value.

is nearly

Emphasizes that a value is just short of being exact.

is just about

Similar to "is nearly" but less formal.

is something like

Suggests a vague similarity or likeness.

is on the order of

Indicates a magnitude or scale.

FAQs

How can I use "should be approximately" in a sentence?

Use "should be approximately" when you want to provide an estimated or approximate value. For example, "The handover period "should be approximately" two weeks".

What are some alternatives to "should be approximately"?

Alternatives include "ought to be around", "is estimated to be", or "is roughly" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "approximately" or "about"?

Both "approximately" and "about" can indicate an estimated value. "Approximately" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

What does it mean when something "should be approximately" a certain value?

It indicates that the actual value is expected to be near the stated value, but may not be exactly that number. It suggests a degree of uncertainty or estimation.