a rough manuscript

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough manuscript" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial or unrefined version of a written work, such as a book, article, or script. Example: "Before submitting the final draft, I need to review and edit my rough manuscript to improve its clarity and coherence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After the photos and text were pulled together into a rough manuscript, Mr. Dylan and Mr. Feinstein took it to a publisher, Macmillan, where executives expressed interest but were afraid that the pictures would bring a lawsuit from the studio.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to Nunn's biographer, Orville Sweeting, who died in 1976, leaving eighteen hundred pages in rough manuscript form, "L.L. said that Deep Springs Valley was selected for the express purpose of controlling by natural barriers a social condition which institutions all over the land control by regulations".

The New Yorker

The rough manuscript of "Born to Run" that will be auctioned next week is believed to be handwritten by Springsteen and dates to 1974.

Los Angeles Times

EAM conducted the experimental work, analyzed data, and wrote a rough draft of the manuscript.

BMC Genomics

BG prepared a rough draft of the manuscript under RSG's directions, which was revised and modified by RSG.

BMC Genomics

PK prepared a rough draft of the manuscript under RSG's directions, which was revised and modified by RSG.

BMC Genomics

"Toot-Your-Own-Horn" art, original roughs, manuscripts, correspondence, and kit content examples (1964-1966).

Cornell University

It was a rough, rough thing.

Independent

A rough, glittering diamond.

Independent

during a rough patch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Aronian had a rough time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "a rough manuscript", clarify the stage of development to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it's a first draft or a near-final version needing minor edits.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough manuscript" as a dismissive term. Instead, acknowledge the potential of the work and focus on constructive feedback for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough manuscript" functions as a noun phrase, where "rough" modifies the noun "manuscript". It serves to describe the state or condition of the manuscript, indicating it is in an early or unrefined stage. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough manuscript" is a noun phrase denoting an early or unrefined version of a written document. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. Its purpose is to indicate that the manuscript is preliminary and subject to change. The phrase exhibits a neutral register and can be used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase is well-understood and serves as a useful descriptor in writing and publishing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary draft

Replaces 'rough' with 'preliminary', indicating an early, initial version.

an unpolished draft

Substitutes 'rough' with 'unpolished', emphasizing the lack of refinement.

a first draft

Indicates that it is the very first attempt at writing the manuscript.

a working draft

Implies the manuscript is still in development and subject to changes.

an initial version of the manuscript

More explicit and formal, specifying that it's the starting version of the document.

a crude manuscript

Replaces 'rough' with 'crude', highlighting the raw and unrefined nature.

a raw manuscript

Similar to 'crude', emphasizing the unprocessed state of the manuscript.

a draft in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the writing process.

an unfinished manuscript

Highlights the incomplete state of the manuscript.

a sketchy manuscript

Implies that the manuscript is lacking in detail and possibly incomplete.

FAQs

What does "a rough manuscript" mean?

The phrase "a rough manuscript" refers to an early, unpolished version of a written document, such as a book, article, or report. It indicates that the manuscript is not yet in its final form and likely requires further revisions and edits.

What can I say instead of "a rough manuscript"?

You can use alternatives like "a preliminary draft", "an unpolished draft", or "a first draft" depending on the context.

How is "a rough manuscript" different from a final manuscript?

"A rough manuscript" is an initial version that requires further work, whereas a final manuscript is the polished, completed version ready for publication or submission. The rough version may contain errors, inconsistencies, and areas needing further development.

Is it appropriate to share "a rough manuscript" for feedback?

Yes, sharing "a rough manuscript" is often a good idea to gather feedback and improve the work. However, it's important to set expectations with the reader that it is not a finished product and that constructive criticism is welcome.