a rough way

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rough way" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult task or a difficult method of doing something. For example, "She found a rough way to get to the top of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It's a rough way to be," Bryant said, of his and Gianna's temperament.

The New Yorker

"That's a rough way to start things out," said Hughes, who was credited with his first win of the year.

The New York Times

I can command a body of men in a rough way, but I am not fit to be President".

The New Yorker

It isn't perfect, but at least, in a rough way, it favors organisms who are adapted to their environments.

The New Yorker

Game Score, a Bill James creation, is a rough way to estimate the dominance of a pitcher's performance using innings, strikeouts, hits and walks.

The New York Times

Another possibility is that the labor market distinguishes, at least in a rough way, among workers according to their willingness to work, and that the stock market and housing market crashes have especially stimulated older people to work more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Performed an examination/treatment in a too rough way?   Continued an examination in spite of your protests?

BMJ Open

A blind man with a cane, sporting a fedora, worked his way up a rough path of volcanic earth.

The New Yorker

Your frequency of masturbation is probably not an issue; however, men who've become accustomed to self-pleasuring in a particularly rough way eg using high friction with a towel, sometimes have difficulty climaxing during intercourse, because no vagina feels like that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Titanic was a reference point, too, as well as the Go Nagai Devilman cartoons from the 70s that were drawn in a really rough way to the point where you're amazed that a kid would watch them.

Vice

Okay, okay, that's a pretty rough way to look at it.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rough way" to describe a method or approach that is not elegant, precise, or easy, but still achieves a result. For example, "He found a rough way to fix the car, but it worked."

Common error

Avoid using "a rough way" when a more specific adjective would provide greater clarity. Instead of saying "It was a rough way to travel", consider "It was a bumpy way to travel" or "It was an uncomfortable way to travel" to convey the specific nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough way" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (often implied or stated, such as method, approach, or solution). It describes the quality of the way something is done, indicating it is not precise, easy, or refined, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough way" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a method or approach that is not refined or easy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it can be employed in various contexts, from news to science, it's essential to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "difficult method" or "crude manner" for greater precision. While generally neutral in tone, tailoring language to the specific audience and context is key. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and avoids potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult method

Focuses on the challenging nature of the approach.

a tough road

Signifies a difficult and demanding course of action.

a challenging path

Highlights the obstacles and demands of the journey.

a harsh approach

Indicates a severe or ungentle method.

a crude manner

Emphasizes a lack of refinement or precision.

a bumpy ride

Implies an unstable or uneven experience.

a rudimentary technique

Stresses the basic or undeveloped nature of the process.

a makeshift solution

Suggests a temporary or improvised fix.

an unrefined process

Suggests a lack of polish or sophistication.

a basic strategy

Highlights the simplicity and lack of complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough way" to describe a method or process that is not sophisticated or easy but still effective. For example, "Although it was "a rough way" to calculate the distance, it gave us a good estimate."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a rough way"?

Alternatives to "a rough way" include "a difficult method", "a crude manner", or "a challenging path", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a rough way" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to convey that a method or process is not refined or easy but still achieves a desired outcome. It's also suitable when highlighting the lack of elegance or precision.

Is "a rough way" considered formal or informal language?

"A rough way" tends to be neutral in tone. While suitable for most contexts, consider more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives like "an approximate method" might be more fitting in certain situations.