A ballpark guess

MicroEnglish B2 · 1-minute English lesson The rule, three real examples and a quick check, in one minute. Tap the right side to go on.

What it means

A ballpark guess is a rough numerical estimate that gives people a practical working number when exact details are not yet known.

Say it like this

Example 1 of 3 Can you give me a ballpark guess for how many chairs we need? Uses 'a ballpark guess' to request an approximate count for early planning. Tap the sound icon at the top to hear a native speaker.

Say it like this

Example 2 of 3 My ballpark guess is about fifteen people, though four neighbours have not answered yet. Pairs 'my ballpark guess' with 'about' to show the speaker is offering a rough personal… Tap the sound icon at the top to hear a native speaker.

Say it like this

Example 3 of 3 That price is definitely in the right ballpark for our community dinner. Uses the phrase 'in the right ballpark' to indicate that an amount is close to what was… Tap the sound icon at the top to hear a native speaker.

Good to know

While 'ballpark' comes from American baseball, speakers across Britain, North America, and Australia use it routinely without any thought of sports.

Quick check

Answer in your head. Answers next. 1. What does someone offer when they provide a ballpark guess? A A rough working number that helps people make initial plans B A certified total backed by every official receipt C A wild statement made without any thought or context

Answers

1. A rough working number that helps people make initial plans A ballpark guess supplies a practical approximation for early planning, not a certified accounting total.

Now practise it

Listen, type what you hear and test yourself in the full lesson. It is free to start. More English stories Practise the full lesson