for a rough estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a rough estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an approximate calculation or assessment without precision. Example: "For a rough estimate, we can assume that the project will take about three months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

So for a rough estimate, I guess we could say that adds are 30% more valuable on average if they are targeted.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That would mean that this single fire has contributed — for a rough estimate — some 85 million tons of carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions.

The Washington Post

But financial filings and news releases from Expedia and Hotels.com before they were absorbed into InterActive allow for a rough estimate of how the company's earnings could decline if tax authorities disagreed with Mr. Khosrowshahi's assessment.

The New York Times

I asked Pitkin for a rough estimate on how many Ubuntu users have purchased the Bundle thus far.

TechCrunch

For a rough estimate of the parameter of interests, refined estimates are obtained by minimizing the cost function in (32) using a cyclic minimization approach.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

For a rough estimate, approximately 15.3 Mt of carbon was degassed annually into the atmosphere from the entire Changjiang drainage basin in the 1990s.

Geochemical Transactions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

For the sake of a rough estimate, consider a mountain as a rectangular block about five kilometers high, four kilometers long, and four kilometers wide (that's about 2.5 miles on a side).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Gene p-values are predominently used for ranking genes and for giving a rough estimate of statistical significance; the p-values derived from Stouffer's method are perfectly suited for these tasks, especially as they reflect consistent and inconsistent regulation in a more meaningful manner than other methods.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

The first stage involves the use of an evolutionary algorithm for getting a rough estimate of the neural network weight matrices.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Contemporary tour guide industry is worth $16 billion a year, a rough estimate on track for substantial growth in the coming years.

Forbes

For now, make a rough estimate as you can adjust it more later.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "rough estimate", always clarify that it's not an exact figure and may deviate from the actual value. Provide the basis for your estimation to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "rough estimate" as if it were a precise measurement. Clearly indicate its approximate nature to prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a rough estimate" functions as an introductory phrase that qualifies a statement, indicating that the information provided is an approximation rather than a precise calculation. It sets expectations for the level of accuracy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for a rough estimate" serves as a signal that the information presented is approximate, not precise. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable. While relatively uncommon, its purpose is to provide a general sense of value or scale. In formal contexts, stronger alternatives exist, but its everyday utility remains. Always clarify the estimate's approximate nature to prevent misinterpretations, especially when high accuracy is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for approximation purposes

Directly states the intent to provide an approximate value.

ballpark figure

Common idiom for a rough, approximate number or estimate.

back-of-the-envelope calculation

Suggests a quick, informal calculation, often done on the spot.

in round numbers

Indicates that the estimate is simplified by using rounded values.

guesstimate

Blend of 'guess' and 'estimate', implying a less scientific estimation.

as a broad approximation

Replaces 'rough estimate' with a more formal and slightly more precise term.

rule of thumb

Implies a practical, experience-based approach for estimation.

as a general guide

Shifts the focus from estimation to guidance, implying a less precise calculation.

to get a sense of scale

Focuses on understanding the magnitude rather than a specific numerical value.

to get the picture

Emphasizes understanding the overall situation more than precise numbers.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "for a rough estimate"?

Use "for a rough estimate" when you are providing an approximate value or calculation that is not intended to be precise. It's suitable when you need to give a general idea or order of magnitude.

What can I say instead of "for a rough estimate"?

You can use alternatives like "ballpark figure", "as a general guide", or "as a broad approximation" depending on the context.

How can I make it clear that my estimate is not exact?

In addition to using "for a rough estimate", you can use phrases like "approximately", "about", or "in the neighborhood of". Always state that the figures are approximate.

Is it appropriate to use "for a rough estimate" in formal writing?

While "for a rough estimate" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "for approximation purposes" or "as a broad approximation" in formal or academic contexts.