as a rough guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a rough guide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing approximate information or general advice that may not be exact but can help in understanding or decision-making. Example: "As a rough guide, you should aim to spend about 30 minutes on each section of the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use it as a rough guide to explore further.

The Guardian

ICOR serves as a rough guide to the efficiency of investment.

The Economist

The truth: An alternative career as a Rough Guide editor awaits.

The Guardian - Music

As a rough guide, she says, you shouldn't expect more than 50% of the original price.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a rough guide, songs with the word "bitch" in the title bode well.

The Guardian - Music

As a rough guide, job growth of more than 200,000 in May would qualify as excellent news.

The New York Times

The apprehensions figure is widely accepted as a rough guide to the number of immigrants crossing illegally.

The New York Times

The prices published by state insurance departments, the regulators say, are merely intended as a rough guide.

The New York Times

It's O.K. as a rough guide, but you must then be able to get the real deal.

The New Yorker

As a rough guide, for a two-quart bowl of water and ice, add two tablespoons of table salt.

The New York Times - Food

If, as a rough guide, we reckon each job cost £50,000 to create, a £30bn stimulus can be expected to create more than half a million jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a rough guide", make it clear that the information is not definitive and should be supplemented with more detailed research or expert advice.

Common error

Avoid presenting information introduced by "as a rough guide" as if it were precise or completely reliable. Always contextualize the information as an approximation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a rough guide" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase. It serves to qualify the information that follows, indicating that it is an approximation or a general indication, not a precise or definitive statement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a rough guide" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce an estimate, approximation, or general principle. It's versatile across different contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the reader understands that the information is not precise and might need further validation. Alternatives include "as a general guide" or "approximately", offering similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a general guide

Replaces "rough" with "general", suggesting a slightly broader and less precise approximation.

as an estimate

Focuses specifically on providing a numerical or quantitative approximation.

as a rule of thumb

Implies a practical and easily remembered principle, often based on experience.

for general guidance

More formal phrasing, emphasizing the act of guiding rather than the approximation itself.

approximately

A single-word adverb that conveys the meaning of "as a rough guide" more concisely.

in broad strokes

Suggests a description lacking in detail, focused on the main features.

as a preliminary indication

Implies that the information is subject to change and further refinement.

by way of approximation

More formal and elaborate phrasing, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

as a first approximation

Suggests the initial step in a calculation or estimation process.

speaking generally

Indicates a lack of precise detail and a focus on overall trends or patterns.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a rough guide" to introduce an estimate or general principle. For example, "As a rough guide, allow one hour per chapter for reading."

What can I say instead of "as a rough guide"?

You can use alternatives like "as a general guide", "approximately", or "as a rule of thumb" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as a rough guide"?

It's appropriate to use "as a rough guide" when you are providing information that is not exact but can still be helpful for general understanding or planning.

What's the difference between "as a rough guide" and "as a precise measurement"?

"As a rough guide" indicates an approximation or estimate, whereas "as a precise measurement" implies a high degree of accuracy and exactness.