a rough demonstration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough demonstration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an informal or preliminary presentation of a concept, idea, or product that is not polished or fully developed. Example: "During the meeting, we provided a rough demonstration of the new software features to give everyone an idea of what to expect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both are at the University of Missouri and said that the simple experiment represented a rough demonstration of how classical analysis differs from an alternative approach, which emphasizes the importance of comparing the odds of a study finding to something that is known.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A demonstration of this came on November 13th when, after a rough few days, stockmarkets rose on news that the oil price had fallen below $93.

The Economist

This has been a rough, rough summer.

The Washington Post

It was a rough, rough thing.

Independent

A rough, glittering diamond.

Independent

during a rough patch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Aronian had a rough time.

The New York Times

"It's a rough play".

The New York Times

That was a rough time.

The New York Times

Derrick had a rough summer.

The New Yorker

Chris and Ken had a rough time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a demonstration that is not yet fully refined, use "a rough demonstration" to manage expectations and indicate its preliminary nature. This conveys honesty and avoids overselling the current state.

Common error

Avoid drawing definitive conclusions or making critical decisions solely based on "a rough demonstration". Treat it as an initial glimpse, not a final judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough demonstration" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "rough" modifies the noun "demonstration". This indicates the type or quality of the demonstration being presented. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe a preliminary or unrefined presentation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough demonstration" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes a preliminary or unrefined presentation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in neutral contexts like news and media. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the idea that something is still under development and not yet polished. Alternatives such as "a basic demonstration" or "a preliminary demonstration" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the demonstration's state. When using this phrase, remember to manage expectations and avoid drawing premature conclusions. Be mindful of your audience and if a more formal register is required, a more formal alternative may be needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic demonstration

Emphasizes the simplicity and fundamental nature of the demonstration.

a preliminary demonstration

Highlights that the demonstration is an initial or preparatory version.

an unpolished demonstration

Focuses on the lack of refinement or final touches in the demonstration.

a simple illustration

Replaces "demonstration" with "illustration", suggesting a visual representation.

a crude demonstration

Emphasizes the rawness and lack of sophistication in the demonstration.

a rudimentary demonstration

Stresses the fundamental and undeveloped nature of the demonstration.

a sketchy demonstration

Suggests that the demonstration is incomplete and lacks detail.

a quick demonstration

Focuses on the brevity and speed of the demonstration.

a working prototype

Shifts the focus from a demonstration to a functional but not fully developed prototype.

a tentative demonstration

Implies that the demonstration is provisional and subject to change.

FAQs

How can "a rough demonstration" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "The presenter gave "a rough demonstration" of the software's capabilities, highlighting key features but acknowledging its unfinished state."

What are some alternatives to "a rough demonstration"?

Consider using phrases like "a basic demonstration", "a preliminary demonstration", or "an unpolished demonstration" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a rough demonstration" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a rough demonstration" is more suited to informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, opt for phrases like "a preliminary presentation" or "an initial demonstration".

What does it imply when something is described as "a rough demonstration"?

It suggests that what is being demonstrated is in an early stage of development, potentially lacking refinement, complete functionality, or a polished presentation. It implies that the demonstration is intended to provide a general idea rather than a finished product.