a rough order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing an approximate sequence or arrangement of items, tasks, or events. Example: "We have a rough order of the agenda for the meeting, but it may change as we finalize the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although flop counting cannot show complexity precisely in practical systems, it can indicate a rough order of the computational complexity.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Your outline may have nothing but a rough order of the events or topics covered, or it may be a more detailed scene-by-scene summary.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The output of our assembler is a list of contigs that appear in a rough ordering along the clone contigs.

Plosone

The resulting assembly lists the contigs in a rough ordering along the clone contigs, but does not strictly order or orient them in scaffolds.

Plosone

Our methodology produces a rough ordering of sequence contigs along the clone contigs, which can be used as a guide during finishing.

Plosone

Together, these forces lead to a rough ordering of genes by priority or necessity along with replication timing.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Here's a rundown in rough order of brilliance.

The Guardian - Sport

The teams were arranged in diagonal rows, like a flying V with contrails, in rough order of their arrival.

The New Yorker

Definitions of rich customers vary from bank to bank and region to region, but there is a rough pecking order.

The Economist

Lawmakers and those who follow the measure say the money is distributed under a rough pecking order.

The New York Times

2.48pm GMT As this is the second of two runs in the women's 500m, the athletes go in a rough reverse order.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough order", ensure the context makes it clear that the sequence or arrangement is not precise or final. This sets appropriate expectations for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough order" when a precise sequence is required. This phrase implies approximation, so use it only when exactness isn't necessary or available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough order" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun, providing information about the degree of precision in a sequence or arrangement. It indicates that the order is approximate rather than exact, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough order" is a noun phrase used to indicate an approximate or non-definitive sequence or arrangement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. It's important to use it when precision is not required or available. Alternatives like "an approximate sequence" or "a tentative arrangement" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The frequency of "a rough order" is common, and its meaning is generally well-understood, making it a useful phrase in various writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an approximate sequence

Focuses on the sequence being not exact, similar to a rough order.

a tentative arrangement

Highlights the provisional nature of the arrangement.

a preliminary sorting

Emphasizes the initial and potentially incomplete aspect of the sorting.

a basic classification

Indicates a simple and not highly detailed classification.

an estimated arrangement

Stresses the approximate nature of the arrangement based on estimation.

a general sequence

Focuses on the broad, non-specific order of items.

a loose organization

Suggests a structure that is not rigid or tightly controlled.

a crude arrangement

Emphasizes the unrefined or basic nature of the arrangement.

a haphazard order

Indicates an order that is somewhat random or lacking clear planning.

a rudimentary sequence

Highlights the foundational or initial stage of the sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough order" to indicate an approximate sequence or arrangement, as in "We have a rough order of the agenda for the meeting".

What's a good alternative to "a rough order"?

Alternatives include "an approximate sequence", "a tentative arrangement", or "a preliminary sorting", depending on the context.

Is "a rough order" formal or informal?

"A rough order" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What does "a rough order" imply about the arrangement?

It implies that the arrangement is not exact or finalized and is subject to change or adjustment.