I would roughly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would roughly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an approximate estimation or description of something. Example: "I would roughly estimate that the project will take about three months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But I would say roughly '53 or '54, I'm walking down Forty-second Street, where all these old movie houses were.

The New Yorker

"I would say roughly 60 percent of what they did I thought was rad and I didn't touch, and then 40 percent I would either alter it or it got left behind," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of these management hires don't work out (I'd say roughly 30percentt) and some end up not working well with the founder while potentially doing well for the company.

TechCrunch

I'd just roughly chop them, though; ground they disappear into the muesli, which, though not unpleasant, is far less interesting texture-wise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In total, I'd consumed roughly three-quarters of a gallon of kombucha, and kept the majority of it down.

Vice

This would roughly double what has been spent so far.

The New York Times

"If the stock went down 25 percent, the convertible bond would roughly break even".

The New York Times

Raising the retirement age to 70 would roughly halve the rate of decline of the workforce.

The Economist

The bills would roughly double that, and sustain it for five years.

The New York Times

China's catching up alone would roughly double world consumption rates.

The New York Times

So would roughly 66% of staff surveyed in an office straw poll.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I would roughly", ensure it's followed by a clear indication of what you're estimating, such as a quantity, time, or degree. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid providing overly precise details immediately after using "I would roughly". Doing so undermines the approximation and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would roughly" serves as a hedge, indicating an approximate estimation or prediction. It modifies the verb that follows, softening the claim and acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. Although Ludwig does not provide exact matches, similar examples confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I would roughly" is a grammatically correct way to introduce an approximation or estimation. It functions as a hedge, indicating that the speaker is not making a precise claim. Although Ludwig shows no exact examples, the related phrases suggest it can be used in various contexts. When writing, ensure that the estimation is followed by a clear indication of what you are estimating and avoid providing overly precise details immediately afterward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'd estimate approximately

Replaces "roughly" with "approximately" for a more formal tone, and uses a contraction.

I would estimate around

Substitutes "roughly" with "around", indicating an approximate estimation.

I'd say approximately

Uses "say" instead of "estimate", giving a slightly more casual feel but maintains the approximation with "approximately".

I would guess about

Replaces "roughly" with "about", implying an educated guess rather than a precise calculation.

I'd approximate that

Uses "approximate" as a verb, offering a more direct way of expressing the estimation.

I would imagine roughly

Combines "imagine" with "roughly", suggesting an estimate based on imagination or general understanding.

I would calculate approximately

Emphasizes a calculation, albeit approximate, using "calculate" and "approximately".

I'd reckon roughly

Uses "reckon", adding a touch of informality and regional flavor, while retaining "roughly".

My estimate is roughly

Shifts the focus to "my estimate", making the estimation more explicit and personal.

I would assess roughly

Substitutes "estimate" with "assess", implying a more careful and considered judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "I would roughly" in a sentence?

Use "I would roughly" to introduce an estimate or approximation. For example, "I would roughly estimate the cost to be around $500."

What are some alternatives to "I would roughly"?

You can use alternatives such as "I would estimate approximately", "I would say about", or "I would guess roughly" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "I would roughly estimate"?

While "roughly" and "estimate" both imply approximation, using them together can emphasize the lack of precision. It's not strictly redundant, but consider whether the added emphasis is necessary.

What's the difference between "I would roughly estimate" and "I would precisely calculate"?

"I would roughly estimate" suggests an approximate guess, while "I would precisely calculate" indicates an exact calculation. They are nearly opposite in meaning and should be used in appropriate contexts.