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Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » Do you understand why words like "almost" and "about" are used? If you say 100 it is not the same as saying about 100 or almost 100. Right?

Do you understand why words like "almost" and "about" are used? If you say 100 it is not the same as saying about 100 or almost 100. Right?

"About" 100 could be 95. "Almost" 100 could be 98 or 94. It means that something is NOT precise but flexible. In the ballpark. How often do you use "almost" and "about"? Where, when and why?

Posted - October 20, 2018

Responses


  • 2217
    When I think my audience will be bored by spurious accuracy.
      October 20, 2018 8:18 AM MDT
    2

  • 113301
    Well if you KNOW FOR SURE an amount then of course it's safe to do. But sometimes you only really have a ballpark idea/number and so when you say "almost" or "about" that signals to the reader not to take that number as gospel but as ballpark or in the neighborhood. Thank you for your reply Malizz! :)
      October 20, 2018 8:26 AM MDT
    0

  • 44175
    'About 100' can also be 103 or 106. Your logic...not mine.
      October 22, 2018 12:19 PM MDT
    0