a rough look

USAGE SUMMARY

'a rough look' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's facial expression or an item's appearance. For example: "I could tell by the rough look on his face that he was in a bad mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Because he didn't remove the marks and imperfections of the casting process, the heads have a rough look that makes them seem vaguely threatening.

The New Yorker

We, on the contrary, don't strongly object to the canvas having a rough look.

Heritage Science

Here’s a rough look at the moneymaking performances of some billionaires, past and present, during their first two years on the rich list owning a public company.

Forbes

"I haven't had a chance to fully scrutinise these graphs, but in a rough look at the graphs I'm not absolutely sure that they're accurate," he explained.

BBC

While it's difficult to assess morale inside a company, even a rough look at the company's finances suggests they have a point.

Forbes

A rough look at how long this line for — Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1)January 7 , 2016

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A rough looking house with strong bones is always better than a good looking house with a poor foundation.

WikiHow

It should lay flat on itself, or else it'll give a rough looking edge to your bookmark.

WikiHow

Twisting ribbon instead of folding if flat back on itself to form the loops will give a rough looking edge to your bookmark.

WikiHow

A bum slept expertly on a too small bench, a woman pulled herself inward and stood far away, watching her toes, and a very young man gave me a very rough look.

The New Yorker

We've gone for a deliberately rough look.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual style, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Use "a rough look" for something that has an unfinished or unpolished quality.

Common error

While "a rough look" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "unrefined aesthetic" or "rugged style" depending on the desired nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough look" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI shows that it describes the visual appearance of something, emphasizing its unrefined or unpolished nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rough look" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an unrefined or unpolished appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and wide usage. Its frequency is "common", with primary contexts being News & Media and Wiki. When writing, consider the specific nuances you want to convey and avoid overuse by using synonyms. The linguistic analysis reveals it functions as a noun phrase, serves to describe, and has a neutral register. Using this analysis and the related phrases in this document helps to improve overall clarity and writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crude appearance

Focuses on the unrefined or unpolished aspect of the visual impression.

an unrefined aesthetic

Highlights the lack of sophistication in the overall design or style.

a rugged style

Emphasizes the strong and somewhat uneven characteristics of the appearance.

a coarse texture

Shifts the focus to the tactile quality and uneven surface of something.

a raw finish

Underscores the unprocessed and natural state of the final surface.

a weathered aspect

Highlights the effects of exposure and time on the appearance.

a rustic charm

Conveys a sense of naturalness and simplicity in the visual appeal.

an unfinished state

Indicates that the appearance is incomplete or lacking refinement.

a distressed condition

Suggests wear and tear or intentional damage to create a specific visual effect.

a primitive design

Emphasizes the basic and unsophisticated nature of the visual arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough look" to describe something that is unfinished, unpolished, or has a rugged appearance. For example, "The unfinished wood gave the cabin "a rough look"".

What are some alternatives to "a rough look"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a crude appearance", "an unrefined aesthetic", or "a rugged style", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "a rough look" formal or informal?

"A rough look" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferable in highly formal writing.

Can "a rough look" refer to a person's appearance?

Yes, "a rough look" can describe a person's appearance, suggesting they look rugged, unkempt, or tough. For instance, "He had "a rough look" after being out in the wilderness for weeks".