or so
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb An imprecise but fairly close estimate of a quantity, number, or amount. It indicates an approximation.
Usage
"Or so" is used after a number or quantity to suggest that the actual figure is near that number, but not exact. It is synonymous with "approximately," "about," or "roughly."
Examples
- After a number: (The repair will take approximately an hour.)
- After a quantity: (We need about twenty chairs for the meeting.)
- After a distance/time: (She lives roughly a mile from here.)
Advanced Usage
- "Or so" vs. "About": While similar, "or so" always follows the number it modifies (), whereas "about" precedes it ().
- Formality: "Or so" is common in both spoken and written English, though it is slightly more informal than "approximately."
Variants and Related Words
- About (adv.): Used before a number.
- Approximately (adv.): A more formal synonym.
- Roughly (adv.): Emphasizes the imprecision of the estimate.
- More or less (adv.): Can be used before or after a quantity. /
Synonyms
- Approximately
- About
- Roughly
- Around
- Some (e.g., )
- More or less
Related Phrases
- ...or thereabouts: A slightly more formal alternative with the same meaning.
Adverb
- (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
- lasted approximately an hour
- in just about a minute
- he's about 30 years old
- I've had about all I can stand
- we meet about once a month
- some forty people came
- weighs around a hundred pounds
- roughly $3,000
- holds 3 gallons, more or less
- 20 or so people were at the party