More or Less – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever given an estimate, described a situation that’s almost—but not exactly—true, or said you’re finished with a task except for small details? In English, you can say it’s more or less! This practical phrase means “approximately,” “almost,” or “nearly”—with just a little room for error or exception.
What Does “More or Less” Mean?
“More or less” means something is mostly true, complete, or accurate—but not 100% exact. Think of it like saying, “It’s close enough for now.” The phrase isn’t about quantity alone; it’s a flexible way to show that you’re being honest about small uncertainties or minor gaps.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when talking about time, progress, descriptions, or truth. It’s perfect for situations where precision isn’t necessary—like giving directions, reporting on a project, or describing how you feel. This phrase is informal but widely accepted—great for everyday English, not formal reports.
Example Sentences
- The project is more or less finished—we just need to fix a few typos.
- I’m more or less ready to go; I just need to grab my keys.
- She’s more or less the same height as her sister.
- We arrived at 7 p.m., more or less.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Is the report done?”
Jamie: “More or less. I’ll send it in ten minutes.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “more or less” when you mean “sometimes” or “occasionally.” It refers to degree or completeness—not frequency.
❌ Don’t say: “I more or less go to the gym.” (This sounds unclear.)
✅ Do say: “I go to the gym more or less every day.” (Here, it modifies “every day” to mean “almost every day.”)
Practice Tip
Next time you’re almost done with something, say: “I’m more or less finished.” It’s a natural, relaxed way to show you’re nearly there—in English!
Final Note
Now you can use “more or less” to express approximation with ease and confidence! It’s a simple but essential phrase for real-life communication. Keep using it—and remember, in everyday English, “more or less” is often good enough!
