a rough figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rough figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a number or amount that is estimated, approximate, or inexact. For example: "I can give you a rough figure of what it will cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

How many selfies in his lifetime, a rough figure.

The Guardian - Music

Even at a rough figure of 5% return, this will produce an enormous capital injection of £50 billion.

The Guardian - Opinion

This analysis by Digital Books World suggests a rough figure of $2 per unit, while stressing that the details can vary between publishers.

The Guardian - Tech

You can get a rough figure of 1 million using data from the ONS – but only if you take the highest possible figures and discount indirect contact like phone calls and email.

The Guardian - Opinion

The clock was a bit unsightly, but the system was judged a success: the M.L.B. touted a rough figure showing that the clock, along with other reforms, saved about ten minutes.

The New Yorker

By accident, as a rough figure, it might not be too far off, but we can't know for sure.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Fox, 58, cuts a rougher figure than his courtly predecessor.

The New York Times

The surface of MC coating is just a little rough (Figure 9(a)), while CE pits with diameter more than 30 μm can be observed clearly on the surface of CC coating as shown in Figures 9(b) and (c).

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Different models will differ on the magnitude of this effect, but a very rough figure will be on the order of 6percentt for a degree C of warming (and we've had close to that by now).

Columbia University

The numbers of beekeepers as well as the number of villages where beehives are kept are too numerous for an exact count, but the rough figure is that between one and three thousand pastoralists are engaged in honey production, according to the former local project coordinator.

Pastoralism

A rough, bearlike figure, General Dostum, 48, has gone through several metamorphoses: from Soviet-trained general, to regional warlord and power broker, to defeated exile, and finally to resistance leader fighting the Taliban from the mountains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough figure", make it clear that the number is an approximation and may not be completely accurate. Use qualifying language such as "approximately", "around", or "in the neighborhood of" to reinforce this.

Common error

Avoid treating "a rough figure" as a precise value in subsequent calculations or discussions. Acknowledge its inherent uncertainty and adjust your analysis accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where an approximate or estimated value is being presented.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a rough figure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate an approximate or estimated value. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently employed in contexts such as news reporting, scientific publications, and general discussions where precise numbers are not available or necessary. While "a rough figure" is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of the context and choose more formal alternatives, like ""a preliminary estimate"" or ""a tentative estimate"", for academic or business settings when precision is required. The examples from Ludwig highlight the phrase's versatility and broad applicability across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate number

Replaces "figure" with "number" and "rough" with "approximate", emphasizing the numerical aspect of the estimation.

a ballpark estimate

Uses the idiom "ballpark estimate" to convey a similar meaning of a general approximation.

a loose approximation

Highlights the lack of precision in the approximated value.

a crude calculation

Suggests a basic, not very precise calculation has been made.

a tentative estimate

Highlights the uncertainty and possibility of change in the estimated value.

a preliminary estimate

Focuses on the fact that the estimate is initial and subject to revision.

a broad estimate

Emphasizes the wide range or lack of specificity in the approximation.

an educated guess

Implies the estimate is based on some knowledge or reasoning, but is still not exact.

a working estimate

Suggests the estimate is being used as a basis for planning or decision-making, but is not definitive.

a back-of-the-envelope calculation

Indicates a quick and informal calculation, often done on the spur of the moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough figure" to introduce an approximate number or amount. For example, "I can give you "a rough figure" of what the repairs might cost, but it's only an estimate."

What's another way to say "a rough figure"?

Alternatives to "a rough figure" include "a ballpark estimate", "an approximate number", or "a crude calculation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of imprecision you want to convey.

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

While "a rough figure" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a preliminary estimate" or "a tentative estimate" may be preferable in academic or business contexts, depending on the specific needs of the document and target readership.

What does "a rough figure" imply about the accuracy of the information?

"A rough figure" indicates that the information is not precise or exact. It suggests that the number is an approximation, possibly based on incomplete data or quick calculations.