a rough line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an approximate or not well-defined boundary, guideline, or statement. Example: "The artist drew a rough line to indicate where the horizon would be in the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Across the mountains, the Orontes River creates a rough line separating Alawite territory from central Syria.

The New York Times

North of a rough line from the Severn Estuary to the Wash, monthly rents average a manageable £500 to £600.

Independent

It is just steel and stone, a rough line scratched across an immense and largely empty landscape.

The New York Times

It's a rough line of work, and companies need to treat their guys pretty well or the guys will jump ship to another company.

The Guardian - Opinion

They described the route that Mr. Thomas was on as a rough line, saying that more police officers and undercover officers were needed on it.

The New York Times

From the SEM images, the spherical precursor, titanium glycolate (TG) particles, shows a smooth line, whereas the Li4Ti5O12/Ag particles presents a rough line.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

An example of this would be a physician could advise a patient whether or not to go through a particular rough line of treatment when they may not live long enough to reap the benefits of such treatment.

Journal of Big Data

Instantly resonant – the Wu's junior affiliate Shyheim parlayed Deck's "Life as a shorty shouldn't be so rough" line into an entire song – C.R.E.A.M. quickly rose to the top of the Clan's catalogue.

The Guardian - Music

Note that a rough suture line on a fallopian tube can lead to another tubal pregnancy so either the tube will be removed or suturing of the tube is done with microsurgical technique.

WikiHow

But there is a rough through line under it all.

The New York Times - Arts

I draw a rough practical line where folks are actually dragged out of the house and down to the bar on false pretenses, so I would not endorse this tactic beyond what can be swiftly gleaned online.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough line", ensure the context clarifies what is being approximated or vaguely defined. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough line" when describing something that is precisely measured or clearly defined. This can create a contradiction and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that is approximate or not well-defined. Examples illustrate its use in describing geographical boundaries, routes, and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough line" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an approximate or indistinct boundary, outline, or guideline. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for conveying a lack of precision across various contexts. It's most commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and wiki entries. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity regarding what is being approximated. While acceptable, consider alternative phrases like "an approximate boundary" or "a vague demarcation" to refine the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate boundary

Focuses on the boundary aspect and uses 'approximate' to convey the lack of precision.

a vague demarcation

Emphasizes the unclear nature of the division.

an indistinct border

Highlights the lack of clarity in the border.

a blurry division

Uses 'blurry' to suggest a lack of sharpness or definition.

a crude approximation

Emphasizes the lack of refinement in the estimation.

a sketchy outline

Implies a preliminary and not fully developed representation.

a tentative guideline

Suggests a provisional and not definitive instruction.

a general estimate

Focuses on the broad and imprecise nature of the calculation.

a rudimentary sketch

Highlights the basic and undeveloped quality of the drawing.

an unrefined delineation

Emphasizes the lack of polish in the drawing or definition.

FAQs

What does "a rough line" mean?

The phrase "a rough line" typically refers to an approximate or imprecise boundary, outline, or path. It suggests something is not exact or clearly defined.

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

You might say, "The map showed "a rough line" indicating the border between the two territories", meaning the border's exact location wasn't clearly marked.

What are some alternatives to "a rough line"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an approximate boundary", "a vague demarcation", or "an indistinct border".

Is it better to say "rough line" or "approximate line"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "approximate line" might sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone.