rough appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'rough appearance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the external characteristics of a person or object that seem rough or unfinished. For example, "The walls of the old barn had a rough appearance, with streaks of paint and faded wood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

However, in practice, estimates produced by these four remedies might have rough appearance.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

Despite its rough appearance, the car "fired right up" in Dr. Exon's garage, Mr. Schmidt said.

The New York Times

Moreover, the resultant rough appearance might be an excellent base for the later paint application.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Rough ER is named for its rough appearance, which is due to the ribosomes attached to its outer (cytoplasmic) surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ribosomes on RER, which give RER its rough appearance, specialize in the synthesis of proteins that possess a signal sequence that directs them specifically to the ER for processing.

Britannica

Glass was the major material for wall and vault mosaics of Early Christian and Byzantine churches, and marble and limestone tesserae were frequently used in the depiction of faces, woolen garments, rocks, and other objects that required a soft or rough appearance.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The other, at 63, has a rougher appearance and grew up in a working class, Irish Catholic family in Virginia.

The Guardian

The white viscous suspensions of NFC have in general a fibrous or rougher appearance than BNC suspensions.

Heritage Science

Qualitative "eyeball" analysis of before and after glabellar impressions by an expert in surface profilometry noted a slight improvement in the replicas of 5 of the subjects and no change or slightly rougher appearance of the replicas of 4 of the subjects.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The addition of TCP seemed to contribute to the rough external appearance of the scaffold.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

But the organizers of the Site for Contemporary Arts have also made a virtue out of necessity: they say that a rough unfinished appearance is best suited to the ephemeral artworks, installations and performances presented here; its open spaces facilitate the frequent rotation of works.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something with a "rough appearance", consider specifying what causes the roughness. For instance, is it due to texture, damage, or an unrefined finish?

Common error

Avoid using "rough appearance" in highly formal writing where a more precise and descriptive term would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "textured surface" or "unrefined finish" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough appearance" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase, characterizing the visual texture or surface quality of an object or entity. It's used to denote a lack of smoothness or refinement. Ludwig provides examples showing this phrase used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough appearance" is a versatile and commonly used descriptor for indicating a lack of smoothness or refinement in the surface or texture of an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, though more precise terms might be preferred in formal writing. Its usage spans scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a broad acceptability. When using this phrase, consider specifying the cause of the roughness for clarity and context. For alternative phrasings, consider "coarse texture" or "uneven surface" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coarse texture

Focuses on the tactile quality of being not smooth.

uneven surface

Highlights the lack of smoothness in the surface.

irregular finish

Emphasizes the lack of a refined or polished end state.

unrefined look

Shifts the focus to the overall aesthetic impression of being unpolished.

crude aspect

Suggests a basic or underdeveloped quality in the appearance.

raw exterior

Implies an untouched or unprocessed outer layer.

rugged facade

Highlights a strong, uneven, and somewhat damaged outer appearance.

textured surface

Focuses specifically on the presence of noticeable texture.

weathered condition

Suggests that the appearance is due to exposure to the elements over time.

imperfect surface

Directly points out the lack of perfection in the surface quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough appearance" to describe the texture or surface quality of something. For example, "The old stone wall had a "rough appearance" due to years of weathering."

What are some alternatives to "rough appearance"?

Alternatives include "coarse texture", "uneven surface", or "irregular finish". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "rough appearance" a formal or informal term?

"Rough appearance" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more precise terms might be preferred in highly technical or academic writing.

What contributes to something having a "rough appearance"?

A "rough appearance" can result from various factors, including natural textures, weathering, damage, or an unfinished state. The specific cause often influences the choice of descriptive words.