Understanding the Usage and Pronunciation of 'More or Less'

In episode 382 of the Everybody ESL podcast, host Ben provides a concise lesson on the common and highly useful English expression, "more or less." This phrase is an essential tool for English learners, serving as a versatile way to express approximation in daily conversation.

Defining 'More or Less'

At its core, the phrase "more or less" is synonymous with the word "approximately." It is used when a speaker wants to indicate that a specific number, amount, or situation is "not exactly" the figure provided, but is sufficiently close to it.

Ben suggests that learners should think of this phrase in the same category as words like "about" or "around." When you use "more or less," you are signaling to the listener that the value might be slightly higher or slightly lower than the stated amount. This often occurs in two scenarios: either the speaker does not know the precise figure, or the exactitude is simply "not important in this situation."

Practical Examples in Conversation

To illustrate, Ben provides two distinct scenarios:

1. Travel Duration: When asked about the length of a flight, one might reply, "The flight is 10 hours more or less." This clarifies that the duration is roughly 10 hours, helping the listener understand the scale of time without requiring the exact minute-by-minute breakdown.
2. Physical Activity: When describing distance, such as jogging, a person might say, "I jogged five miles more or less." Again, this reinforces that the distance is "close to" five miles rather than a precise measurement, serving as a functional way to communicate the effort exerted.

Pronunciation Nuances

Beyond the meaning, Ben highlights a key aspect of natural English speech: the pronunciation of the phrase. Because the end of the word "more" sounds similar to the word "or," native speakers frequently "squeeze those words together."

Instead of articulating each word distinctly, listeners will often hear the phrase blended into a sound closer to "more-or-less," where the transition between "more" and "or" is smoothed out. Mastering this connected speech pattern is a vital step toward sounding more fluent and natural in casual English conversation.

Conclusion

As Ben emphasizes, "more or less" is a fundamental expression for anyone looking to improve their English proficiency. By understanding that it represents an approximation rather than an absolute value, and by practicing the connected pronunciation, learners can effectively navigate situations where exact numbers are either unknown or unnecessary.