time or so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time or so" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an approximate duration or period, suggesting that something may take a certain amount of time, plus a little extra. Example: "It should take about an hour or so to complete the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The past was a naughtier time or so it seems.

The Guardian - Film

Hogue remained silent the entire time, or so Keith Mark remembers.

The New Yorker

Across the street runs a string of houses built two at a time, or so it seems.

The New York Times

C'mon, Em, we'll fish and canoe and have a grand old time, or so her husband had said.

The New Yorker

At one time, or so the story goes, more Irish whiskey was consumed in San Francisco than in Ireland.

The New York Times - Food

The somewhat confusing menu with garish color photos makes ordering a bit random, and prices change depending on the time, or so it seems.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

After reduction of a simple dislocation, treatment options include immobilization in a static plaster for different periods of time or so-called functional treatment.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

He used the word globalization a dozen times or so.

The New York Times

We live in McCarthyist times, or so it sometimes seems.

The Guardian - Opinion

This one uses it at least 100 times, or so it seems.

The New York Times

He climbs the concrete stairs usually 10 times or so in an hour, depending how much time he has.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time or so" when you want to indicate an approximate duration or period, acknowledging that the actual time may vary slightly. This adds a degree of imprecision that can be useful in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "time or so" in formal or academic writing where precision is expected. In these contexts, opt for more precise language such as "approximately" or "around" followed by the specific time frame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time or so" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating an approximation of time. It modifies the duration or point in time being discussed, suggesting that the given time is not exact but close. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time or so" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate an approximate duration or point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a touch of imprecision suitable for informal and neutral contexts. While prevalent in news and media, it's best to avoid "time or so" in formal writing where precision is key. Alternatives like "approximately that time" or "around that time" can offer a more formal tone. Use "time or so" when you are comfortable providing an estimate rather than an exact measurement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about that time

This alternative offers a shorter, more casual way to approximate time.

roughly that time

This alternative implies an estimated, non-exact time.

approximately that time

This alternative uses 'approximately' to directly indicate an estimated time.

around that time

This alternative indicates a period surrounding a specific time.

close to that time

This alternative emphasizes the proximity to a particular time.

in that general time frame

This alternative emphasizes a broader, less precise period.

give or take that time

This alternative explicitly allows for a small margin of error.

in the vicinity of that time

This alternative suggests a time that's near but not exact.

in that period

This alternative focuses on the duration rather than a specific moment.

at that point in time

This alternative is a slightly more formal way to refer to a specific time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "time or so" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, use phrases like "approximately that time", "around that time", or "in that general time frame" depending on the specific context.

Is "time or so" grammatically correct?

Yes, "time or so" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and informal written English to indicate an approximate time.

What's a simple substitute for "time or so"?

A simpler substitute would be "about that time" or "roughly that time", both of which convey the same sense of approximation.

When should I use "time or so"?

Use "time or so" when you want to communicate that you're providing an estimate and that the actual time could be a little more or less than what you've stated. This is appropriate in informal settings where exact precision isn't critical.