Approximating
about, roughly, or so, at least, sounding natural with numbers.
The rules
- Approximation: "about/around/roughly two hours".
- "Twenty or so" = approximately twenty.
- "At least" = minimum; "at most"/"up to" = maximum.
- "Up to" = maximum capacity: "holds up to 300".
- "At 6 sharp" = precisely at 6, no lateness.
- "Roughly/approximately a third", approximating fractions.
Examples
- The journey takes about two hours, maybe a bit more.
- There were twenty people or so at the meeting.
- at least 50
- The hall holds up to 300 people.
- exactly at 6
- Sales rose by roughly a third compared with last year.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The journey takes _____ two hours, maybe a bit more.
2.There were twenty people _____ so at the meeting.
3.Which means "not fewer than 50"?
4.The hall holds _____ to 300 people.
5."The train leaves at 6 sharp." What does "sharp" mean?