a rough breakdown of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rough breakdown of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a broad overview of something with limited detail. For example: "Here is a rough breakdown of my annual budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So far, the scientists have a rough breakdown of the chemical elements in the dust specks, based on X-ray imaging, but they do not know much else.

The New York Times - Science

As for his profits, Mr. Eggers's "Acknowledgments" provides a rough breakdown of the costs that consumed most of the $100,000 advance from his hardcover publisher, Simon & Schuster.

The New York Times - Books

It's a rough breakdown of what we aim to achieve during each hour of any given all-nighter, and we've also included recommended tracks that we think fit into each segment.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Our focus on dual homeostasis is partially motivated by the rough breakdown of firing rate homeostatic mechanisms into two categories, synaptic and intrinsic.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

I also put in a "Family Finder" request so it gives me a rough overall breakdown of my genealogical DNA (what percentage I am Western European, what percentage other origins, etc).. My DNA is already at the lab, so now I just have to wait another month or so, and I'm sure to find more interesting things.

Huffington Post

So, a very, very, very rough breakdown shows that the US government owes itself that $7.86 trillion, foreign investors $5.6 trillion and something in the neighborhood of $4-5 4-5 trillionprivato comprivate pension funds, individuals and "other".

Huffington Post

Here is a rough, annual breakdown: • Salaries.

The New York Times

A rough estimate of the fan breakdown in Yankee Stadium for the first two games of this Subway Series, judging by the sound of the cheering and chanting and the team logo clothing on the spectators, might have been 90percentt for the Yankees, 10percentt for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

Above: "Touch The People" breakdown written out, where they start to get a rough idea of how the song needs to be laid out in the game.

Vice

A breakdown of the rough costs[1][2] of self-publishing may look like this: Formatting: $0 (DIY) - $150 and beyond, although you shouldn't be spending lots of money here.

WikiHow

"Colonists had a rough go of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rough breakdown of" when you want to provide a simplified overview without going into exhaustive detail. It's ideal for introductions or summaries.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough breakdown of" when you have precise data or information. This phrase suggests approximation and should not be used if exact figures are available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough breakdown of" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce a simplified explanation or summary of something. It indicates that the information presented will be a general overview rather than a detailed analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in providing such overviews.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough breakdown of" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for introducing a simplified overview of a topic. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general explanations. While not highly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure that you're providing a general summary without claiming precise accuracy. Alternatives such as "a general overview of" or "a basic outline of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general overview of

Focuses on providing a broad understanding, similar to a rough breakdown but possibly with less detail.

an approximate analysis of

Emphasizes the analytical aspect, suggesting an estimation rather than precise calculation.

a simplified explanation of

Highlights the simplification aspect, making something easier to understand.

a basic outline of

Stresses the structural aspect, providing the main points without elaboration.

a preliminary assessment of

Suggests an early evaluation, often before a more detailed study.

a high-level summary of

Implies a summary that avoids detailed information.

a rudimentary analysis of

Indicates a very basic or underdeveloped analysis.

a crude estimate of

Highlights the lack of precision in the estimation.

a quick rundown of

Suggests a fast and informal overview.

a thumbnail sketch of

Implies a brief and concise description.

FAQs

How can I use "a rough breakdown of" in a sentence?

You can use "a rough breakdown of" to introduce a simplified explanation or summary. For example, "Here's "a rough breakdown of" the project's costs."

What's the difference between "a rough breakdown of" and "a detailed analysis of"?

"A rough breakdown of" implies a simplified overview, while "a detailed analysis of" suggests a comprehensive and thorough examination.

Are there more formal alternatives to "a rough breakdown of"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "a general overview of" or "a preliminary assessment of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a rough breakdown of"?

It is appropriate to use "a rough breakdown of" when you want to provide a general understanding of something without going into all the specifics. It's suitable for initial explanations or summaries.