When we speak, we often try not to be too exact or factual because it can sound very direct. As a result, we add expressions to make what we say more approximate or vague.
| This might sound too factual or exact. |
| This is more approximate and sounds less factual and exact. |
Before a number
We’ll pick you uparoundsix.
In this country, we usually have dinner ataboutseven o’clock.
A:How long have you been living here?
B:Foraboutthree years.
Roughly30 people are coming to my graduation party.
Up to20 people are still missing after the earthquake.
She said she’d call hereat or aroundten o’clock.
We also use approximation in formal speech and writing:
The accident occurred atapproximately9 am.
In the region of40 jobs are to be lost at the factory.
As many as300 people were on the train when it broke down.
After a number
Number + -odd
Forty-oddpeople turned up at the demonstration.(at least 40 and maybe more)
A:How much oil does the tank hold?
B:I’m not sure.Fifty-oddlitres, I’d say. (at least 50 litres and maybe more)
We do not use-oddto talk about time:
It’saboutseven o’clock at least.
Not: …seven-odd o’clock…
Number + head noun+ or so
A:Can I have a lift to town with you?
B:Absolutely. I’ll be leaving inten minutes or so.
Number + head noun+ or something
A:What’s the weight limit for luggage?
B:20 kilos or something.
Number + head noun+ or thereabouts(more formal)
[someone is giving directions]
Once you get to the school, turn left and our house is the first one on the left,half a mile, or thereabouts, up that road.
Number +more or less(informal speaking)
This is going to costfour hundred pounds, more or less.(preferred toThis is going to cost more or less four hundred pounds.)
Usingorbetween numbers
The bus from the airport usually costs justthree or fourpounds.
Adding the suffix -ish(informal speaking)
A:What time are we going out?
B:I think Linda said that she’d pick us up atsixish.
A:What age are Gabriela’s children?
B:Her daughter isfourishand her son must be at least seven.
See also:
Aroundorround?
Stuff
Vague expressions