a rough example

USAGE SUMMARY

'a rough example' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to demonstrate an example that is not exact or that is not perfect. For example, "To give you a rough example, let's say you had to add up two odd numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here's a rough example, where Demo App tells the OS it has three types of notifications, and the OS allows the user to manage them in context.

TechCrunch

The result was a rough example of what the final product was intended to be.

Wikipedia

This dynamic means the equilibrium interest rate is significantly lower than in the past (see Figure 2 for a rough example) and the ECB's set of policy rates--trapped at their lower bound--are less stimulative than they would have been historically.

Huffington Post

As a rough example of the importance of avoiding significant missed pockets of transmission, compare a 3-round campaign with coverage of 70%.

BMC Infectious Diseases

By using the midsized tube as a rough example of a normal upper airway, one can explain the triggers of inflammation and/or bronchoconstriction that cause narrowing of the lumen and greater airway resistance in asthma.

CBE Life Sciences Education

As a results of this analysis – which is a rough example of the procedure mentioned in a previous section – we decided to remove the measurement and repeat our calculations.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In different forms the argument may be given a rough edge (for example, imagine that if you do not believe in God and there is a God, hell is waiting).

SEP

Voyant offers another useful free online tool that projects annual gains or losses for different types of funds, allowing you to get a rough sense, for example, of how choosing an ETF rather than a traditional mutual fund will affect your capital gains taxes.

Forbes

Furthermore, it is not clear that it is really the case that pictures cannot be inexplicit in the relevant way (consider, for example, a rough, impressionistic sketch of a tiger, or a blurred photograph).

SEP

For example, a rough draft of an essay could be "1.

WikiHow

Some men are used to self-pleasuring in a high-friction style – for example, with a rough towel – and that can make the switch to partner sex more difficult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough example", ensure it's followed by a more detailed explanation or disclaimer about its limitations. This helps avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't assume your audience will automatically understand the nuances of your "a rough example". Always provide sufficient context and clarification to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough example" functions as an introductory device, presenting a simplified instance to illustrate a concept. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various domains. It signals that the following illustration is not exact or exhaustive, but serves as a basic representation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough example" serves as an accessible entry point to complex topics by providing a simplified illustration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While generally versatile, ensure that the example's limitations are acknowledged to avoid misunderstandings. For alternative phrasing, consider "a preliminary illustration" or "a crude demonstration", depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase is useful for introductions but might need further detail depending on the audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary illustration

Replaces "rough" with "preliminary", indicating an initial and not fully developed illustration.

a basic illustration

Emphasizes the simplicity and fundamental nature of the illustration.

a crude demonstration

Substitutes "rough" with "crude", suggesting a basic and unrefined demonstration.

an approximate instance

Replaces "rough example" with "approximate instance", highlighting the inexact nature of the example.

a simplified case

Focuses on the simplification aspect of the example, making it easier to understand.

a sketch

Uses "sketch" to imply a quick and not fully detailed representation.

a notional example

Highlights the hypothetical or theoretical aspect of the example.

a working model

Suggests a functional representation, but potentially incomplete.

a first draft

Implies a very early stage example, likely to be revised.

a pilot study

Replaces the phrase with a concept indicating an experimental demonstration of a potential implementation

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough example" to introduce a simplified illustration. For instance, "As "a rough example", consider a basic supply and demand curve to understand economic principles." In this case, the example is not perfectly representative of every real-world case, but it still gets the message across.

What are some alternatives to "a rough example"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary illustration", "a crude demonstration", or "an approximate instance". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to give an initial, simplified idea without getting bogged down in minute details. It signals that the example is not perfect but serves to illustrate a broader point.

Is it better to provide "a rough example" or a detailed explanation?

It depends on your audience and purpose. "A rough example" can be useful for introducing a topic, while a detailed explanation is better for in-depth understanding. Sometimes, providing "a rough example" followed by a detailed explanation is the most effective approach.