Give or Take – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever estimated how long something will take, how much it costs, or how many people will come—and added, “plus or minus a little”? In English, you can say give or take! This practical phrase is used to show that a number or amount is approximate, with a small margin of error.
What Does “Give or Take” Mean?
“Give or take” means “more or less” or “approximately”—with a small amount of flexibility. Think of it like saying, “This is my best guess, but it could be a bit more or less.” The phrase isn’t about generosity; it’s a casual, efficient way to acknowledge that your number isn’t exact.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations when giving estimates about time, money, distance, age, or quantity. It’s common in everyday chats, work updates, travel planning, or shopping. This phrase is informal but widely accepted—great for real-life English, not formal reports.
Example Sentences
- The drive will take two hours, give or take.
- She’s 30 years old, give or take a year.
- We’ll need about $500 for the trip, give or take.
- There were 100 people at the event, give or take a few.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How much did your new laptop cost?”
Jamie: “$1,200, give or take. I forgot the exact price.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “give or take” when you know the exact number. It only applies when you’re estimating—not when you’re stating a fact.
❌ Don’t say: “The meeting starts at 3:00 p.m., give or take.” (If it’s scheduled for exactly 3:00.)
✅ Do say: “I’ll be there in 15 minutes, give or take.”
Practice Tip
Next time you give an estimate—like travel time or cost—add “give or take” to sound natural and honest in English. For example: “It’s 5 miles, give or take.”
Final Note
Now you can use “give or take” to share estimates with confidence and clarity! It’s a simple, friendly phrase that shows you’re realistic—not rigid. Keep using it—and remember, in real life, most numbers come with a little wiggle room!