Rough estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Rough estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing an approximate calculation or judgment that is not exact but gives a general idea of a value or quantity. Example: "Based on the data we have, my rough estimate for the project's completion time is about three months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

7Percentage is rough estimate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(This is my rough estimate).

The New York Times

That's a very rough estimate.

The Guardian - Tech

It was, at best, a rough estimate.

The New York Times

(This is a rough estimate, and your mileage may vary).

The New York Times

(Slogan: "Bob Lott. Why not?") By my rough estimate, Dad got nearly a dozen votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

A rough estimate is that it equals 30 to 35 words.

The Guardian - Opinion

For her benefit we have prepared the following rough estimate, tooting up to around $70.

The New Yorker

Your savings on gym fees would be, by my rough estimate, 100percentt.

The New York Times - Magazine

The bill -- a rough estimate -- is in the vicinity of $5.9 million.

The New York Times - Style

Many billions of dollars is our rough estimate for the size of the market".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Rough estimate" when you need to provide an approximation that is not precise but gives a general sense of the value or quantity. For example, "The "rough estimate" for the repairs is around $500."

Common error

Avoid presenting a "rough estimate" as a precise figure. Always qualify it with phrases like 'approximately', 'about', or 'in the ballpark' to manage expectations and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Rough estimate" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a calculation or figure that is not exact but provides a general approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Rough estimate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an approximate calculation or judgment. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. While it's generally acceptable in most settings, avoid presenting a "rough estimate" as a precise value. For situations demanding higher precision, consider alternatives like "approximate calculation" or "preliminary assessment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Approximate calculation

Replaces 'estimate' with 'calculation', emphasizing the mathematical aspect of the approximation.

Ballpark figure

An idiomatic alternative, implying a broad and informal approximation.

Crude approximation

Substitutes 'rough' with 'crude', highlighting the lack of precision in the estimate.

Guesstimate

A blend of 'guess' and 'estimate', suggesting a calculation based on limited information.

Preliminary assessment

Replaces 'estimate' with 'assessment', indicating an initial evaluation or judgment.

Back-of-the-envelope calculation

An idiomatic expression referring to quick, informal calculations.

Order of magnitude estimate

Indicates an estimation focused on the power of ten, rather than precise figures.

General idea

A less formal way to express a basic understanding or calculation.

Quick calculation

Focuses on the speed and informality of the estimation.

Initial guess

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the estimation.

FAQs

How can I use "Rough estimate" in a sentence?

You can use "Rough estimate" to introduce an approximate calculation or judgment, as in, "My "rough estimate" is that the project will take about three weeks."

What are some alternatives to saying "Rough estimate"?

You can use alternatives like "approximate calculation", "ballpark figure", or "crude approximation", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Rough estimate" in formal writing?

While "Rough estimate" is understandable, in more formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "preliminary assessment" or "order of magnitude estimate" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "Rough estimate" and "Precise calculation"?

"Rough estimate" implies an approximation with some level of uncertainty, while "Precise calculation" indicates a calculation performed with high accuracy and attention to detail. They are near opposites in terms of accuracy.