There are a number of ways to give imprecise information in English. Here are some of the most common:
- There are about 600 people working in this company.
- There are approximately 600 people working in this company.
- There are a large number of students interested in taking his course.
- Management predicts up to 50% growth for the coming year.
- It's kind of a bottle opener which can also be used to peel vegetables.
- It's the type of place you can go to relax for a week or so.
- They're the sort of people that like going bowling on Saturday evenings.
- It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house.
- I'm not really sure, but I think they enjoy hiking in the mountains.
After you study these constructions, take the being imprecise or vague quiz to check your understanding.
More English Functions
Disagreeing
Contrasting Ideas
Making Complaints
Asking for Information
Giving Advice
Guessing
Being Imprecise or Vague
Saying 'No' Nicely
Showing Preferences
Making Suggestions
Offering Help
Giving Warning
Demanding Explanations
Construction
| Formula | Form |
| There are about 600 people working in this company. | Use 'about' + a numbered expression. |
| There are approximately 600 people working in this company. | Use 'approximately' + a numbered expression. |
| There are a large number of students interested in taking his course. | Use 'a large number of' + a noun. |
| Management predicts up to 50% growth for the coming year. | Use 'up to' + a noun. |
| It's kind of a bottle opener which can also be used to peel vegetables. | Use 'kind of' + a noun. |
| It's the type of place you can go to relax for a week or so. | Use 'type of' + a noun. Use 'or so' at the end of a sentence to express the meaning 'approximately'. |
| They're the sort of people that like going bowling on Saturday evenings. | Use 'sort of' + a noun. |
| It's difficult to say, but I'd guess that it's used for cleaning house. | Use the phrase + 'It's difficult to say, but I'd guess' an independent clause. |
