a rough estimate.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough estimate." is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when providing an approximate calculation or assessment that is not precise. Example: "Based on the data we have, I can give you a rough estimate of the project's cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

3) A rough estimate of when you would like to present.

Columbia University

The pileup_map tool computes a rough estimate of the amount of pileup.

Harvard University

A rough estimate indicates that we Californians use about 16 billion gallons of gasoline per year.

University of California, Berkeley

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Two months ago, the Congressional Budget Office gave a rough estimate of $25 billion.

The New York Times

Only a rough estimate of the number of his pupils is possible.

Britannica

That's a rough estimate because no one is actually tracking how much we're wasting.

The Washington Post

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

The New York Times - Style

At a rough estimate this means 120 million children were born in 1976.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rough estimate" when precision is not possible or necessary, such as in early planning stages or when dealing with incomplete data.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a rough estimate" as a definitive or precise figure. Always indicate that it's an approximation to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough estimate" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, or follows a linking verb. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes an approximate or imprecise calculation or assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough estimate" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate an approximate calculation or assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests it's most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts. When using "a rough estimate", it's important to acknowledge the potential for imprecision and avoid presenting it as a definitive figure. Alternatives include "an approximate calculation" or "a ballpark figure", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate calculation

Emphasizes the calculation aspect while maintaining the concept of approximation.

a ballpark figure

Offers a more informal way to express an approximate number.

a guesstimate

Combines "guess" and "estimate", suggesting a more informal and potentially less accurate calculation.

a preliminary assessment

Highlights the early and potentially incomplete nature of the assessment.

an educated guess

Suggests the estimate is based on some knowledge or information.

a working hypothesis

Implies the estimate is a basis for further investigation or planning.

an order of magnitude

Refers to an estimate that is accurate to the nearest power of ten.

a tentative figure

Conveys that the number is subject to change and not definitive.

a back-of-the-envelope calculation

Suggests a quick and informal calculation, often done without precise data.

a crude approximation

Highlights the lack of precision in the estimate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough estimate" to introduce an approximate value or calculation, as in "I can give you "a rough estimate" of the project's cost based on the initial data."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rough estimate"?

Alternatives include "an approximate calculation", "a ballpark figure", or "a guesstimate", depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "a rough estimate"?

It's appropriate to use "a rough estimate" when you need to provide an approximate value but don't have precise data or when a precise value is not necessary for the current purpose.

Is "a rough estimate" the same as "an exact calculation"?

No, "a rough estimate" implies an approximate value, whereas "an exact calculation" refers to a precise and accurate calculation. They are opposites in meaning.