There are many different ways of saying approximately in English, and some of them are more formal or informal than others. In this episode, we’ll look at some of the most common synonyms of approximately, and how to use them in different contexts.

Before we start talking about English expressions and vocabulary, on a more personal note we’ve heard some tragic news from an AIRCoholic and friend of the show. We won’t name her to protect her privacy, but she sadly lost her daughter who passed away at a very young age late last year in December, 2023.

It’s never easy losing someone you love, but it’s hard to imagine how devastating it must be to lose a child. This person felt close enough to us to send us a poem that she wrote in memory of her daughter and we have her permission to share it with you.

Grieving you (for Camila)
I don’t know how to do it but today,
I have to grieve you.
While my broken soul tries to move on and my sky is absolutely gray and cloudy,
I have to grieve you.
During the unfinished and sleepless hours in the night when my mind cannot find peace because I’m trying to get by in this new and unexpected life,
I have to grieve you.
Yearning everything about you, your face, your smell, your kisses your beautiful presence, without consolation,
I have to grieve you.
Deep down, in the darkest moment of my life I’m trying to figure out how to survive and bare this unmeasurable pain in my heart
I know I need to grieve you but I fight and resist.
Through our songs and the letters that flow as natural as my tears for you. Holding on to your memories I allow myself to dream of the moment when you will take me away with you.
And then… I won’t be forced to grieve you anymore.

Different ways to say ‘approximately’

Listen to a similar episode about vague language: https://www.inglespodcast.com/128

approximately – It takes me approximately half an hour to get ready.

about/around – a beer costs about 4 euros. The temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.
“I’ll be there at about 3 o’clock,” or “There were around 50 people at the party.”

round about – I’ll see you round about 7

more or less – How much will it cost, more or less?

roughly – Roughly what time will you arrive? The movie lasted roughly two hours. Roughly is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal situations.

nearly – This word means very close to a certain amount, number, or time, but not quite reaching it. Lunch is nearly ready. or He’s nearly 40 years old. Nearly is a slightly more formal word than about or around, and it implies that something is almost done or achieved.

just/slightly/a bit/a little/a little bit… under/over – approximately but slightly less/more. John’s just/a little under 50 years old – he’s 49 and a bit. The turnout for the election was slightly over two thirds – 68% to be exact.

some – This word means an unspecified or approximate amount or number of something. For example, you can say “I need some sugar” or “There are some beers in the fridge. Some is a very vague word that can be used when you don’t want to be specific or precise. It can go with a number, but still means approximately. e.g. The border dispute has been going on for some 50 years now and they still can’t agree.

somewhere in the region/vicinity of or somewhere around – He earns somewhere in the region of 50,000 euros per year.

or thereabouts – She’s 30 or thereabouts

give or take – A new one will cost you 700 euros, give or take. The journey takes about 30 minutes, give or take a few.

or so – It’s not far from here. 6 km or so.
-ish – The shirt is a bluish grey colour. I reckon she’s 40ish. I’ll be there around 2ish.

Circa – a formal expression meaning approximately, typically used for historical facts. It is thought The Cid was born circa 1050.

Questions
How many people live on planet Earth?
What is the average weight of a typical Spanish male/female?
What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
What’s a reasonable amount of chocolate to consume daily?
How many times a year should you listen to AIRC?

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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In next week’s episode: Home schooling

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Dream on me by Stefan Kartenberg
(c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license.
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