as a rough gauge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a rough gauge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing an approximate measurement or estimation of something, often in a context where precision is not critical. Example: "As a rough gauge, we can estimate that the project will take about three months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

So in 2010 The Economist introduced the first Sinodependency index, as a rough gauge of China's influence on the fortunes of American multinationals.

The Economist

While there is no statistical benchmark for intransigence in litigation, AIG's unusually low cost of claims, relative to premiums, serves as a rough gauge of its success.

The Economist

As a rough gauge last week, I watched a movie I hadn't seen since it came out when I was a teenager in 1967.

The New York Times

But results of the blanket primary have long been used as a rough gauge of an incumbent's popularity, and by that measure, Mr. Inslee had plenty to crow about.

The New York Times

He is paid $170,000 a year, and he said his strategies have also led, since 2007, to a 12percentt reduction in citizen complaints against police officers and roughly a 30percentt drop in police sick time, which he uses as a rough gauge to morale within the force.

The New York Times

One survey item was designed as a rough gauge of students' acceptance of evolution.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In this respect they are more akin to consumer durables, like washing machines or cars, than to iron-ore mines or steel plants.As a rough gauge of the size of quasi-consumption, the Goldman economists add up China's investment in house building and "social infrastructure", such as utilities, transport, water conservation, education and health care.

The Economist

However, whilst this may enable a rough gauge as to the variety of barriers identified, it gives little confidence as to whether the most influential barriers have actually been identified.

BMC Health Services Research

(Seven million is, in some ways, a rough gauge: the number will only become hard when people pay premiums, and it doesn't include those with new access to Medicaid or, as the Times points out, those who didn't use the exchanges).

The New Yorker

This test is not a diagnostic tool for narcissistic personality disorder, a serious psychiatric condition; it is simply a rough gauge of self-confidence, vanity, and self-importance, traits everyone has to some degree.

The New York Times - Health

Wal-Mart expects November sales to be unchanged, an unsettling sign at a chain that hosts about 140 million shoppers a week, making it a rough gauge of consumer sentiment.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a rough gauge", ensure that the context clearly indicates that precision is not required and that the information provided is only an approximation. This manages expectations and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid presenting information derived "as a rough gauge" as definitive or precise. Always qualify the statement to emphasize its approximate nature, preventing potential misunderstandings about the data's reliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a rough gauge" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase that modifies a statement. It indicates that the information that follows is an approximation or an estimation, not a precise measurement. Ludwig's examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a rough gauge" serves as a useful qualifier when presenting approximate information or estimations. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in both news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase prepares the audience for data that lacks precision, highlighting the importance of managing expectations. When more precision is needed, alternative phrases like "as a general approximation" may be more fitting. The Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a general approximation

Replaces "rough gauge" with a more formal "general approximation".

as a broad estimate

Substitutes "rough gauge" with "broad estimate", implying a less precise calculation.

as a ballpark figure

Replaces "rough gauge" with a more informal "ballpark figure", indicating a very approximate number.

as a rule of thumb

Offers a practical and easily remembered method for making a rough estimate.

for estimation purposes

Focuses on the intention behind the estimation rather than the method.

as a quick calculation

Emphasizes the speed and simplicity of the estimation.

as an order of magnitude

Indicates an estimation to the nearest power of ten.

as a starting point

Suggests an initial estimate that may be refined later.

as a preliminary indicator

Highlights the role of the gauge as an initial sign or symptom.

as a basic yardstick

Compares the gauge to a standard measure used for comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "as a rough gauge" in a sentence?

You can use "as a rough gauge" to introduce an approximate measurement or estimation. For example: "As a rough gauge, we can expect about 500 attendees at the conference."

What phrases are similar to "as a rough gauge"?

Similar phrases include "as a rough estimate", "as a ballpark figure", or "as a general indicator". Each of these suggests an approximation rather than a precise measurement.

When is it appropriate to use "as a rough gauge"?

Use "as a rough gauge" when you want to provide a general idea or approximation of something, without the need for exact precision. This is suitable in situations where precise data is unavailable or unnecessary.

Is "as a rough gauge" formal or informal?

The phrase "as a rough gauge" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "as a general approximation" may be preferred in more formal settings.