Writing · Free lesson
IELTS Task 1: just over, just under, or about?
A practice table shows 49% and 51%. Both are near half, but one is below it and the other is above it.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
About 50 means close to 50. Just over 50 means a little more than 50; just under 50 means a little less. An estimate must still match the data and unit.
Check direction before choosing the phrase.
First choose a sensible reference, such as 50%. Then compare the given figure with it. About does not specify a side. Just over and just under do. Keep percent, people, dollars, or any other unit unchanged.
Compare the examples
49% → just under 50%
51% → just over 50%
49% → about half
About half is not exactly half. Do not turn an estimate into an exact equality.
Build the meaning step by step
Read value and unit
51%
Compare with a reference
51% > 50% → just over half
Try it now
Keep the numerical direction
Read all answers and explanations
A table gives 49%. Which phrase keeps it below half?
just under half49 is less than 50, so under preserves the direction.
A table gives 101 visitors. Choose an accurate phrase.
just over 100 visitors101 is a little more than 100, and the unit remains visitors.
What does about 200 mean here?
Close to 200, not necessarily exactly 200.About expresses closeness without requiring equality or one particular side.
Put it into practice
Correct a chart description
The practice table gives 39% in 2020 and 41% in 2025. Preserve the years and direction around 40%.
The figure was just over 40% in 2020 and just under 40% in 2025.
See a model answer
The figure was just under 40% in 2020 and just over 40% in 2025.
The wording is approximate, but the comparisons remain accurate.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Should I always round the numbers?
No. Report exact figures when useful and available. Use approximate wording when it fits the visual and your description, without hiding an important difference.
The table gives 49%, so 49% is also accurate.
Can just under describe a value above the reference number?
No. Just under places it slightly below that number; just over places it slightly above. Keep the direction accurate even when you approximate.
The figure was just under 50%.
Take it into your day
Approximate the number, not the truth of the comparison.
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