rough assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough assumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an educated guess or supposition. For example, you might say, "It was only a rough assumption, but I think the problem is caused by a software issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Since there is no differentiation between wood types in the database (only softwood and hardwood), only a rough assumption regarding the density of wood can be made.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The shape of the building block is a rough assumption in reference to previous studies [2,4], which have approximated the dimensions of C-S-H blocksng blocks.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The origin why the formed oxide layer thickness varies with Ge content is not clear yet, and only a rough assumption is supposed as follows.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Despite of this rough assumption, the analytical results about the equilibrium shapes and their stability show a good agreement with the finite element simulations performed with a commercial code.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

It is a rough assumption about the relationship between domain and GO term and may result in a large number of false associations.

BioMed Research International

Therefore, we made the rough assumption, that patients with a large number of different drugs have an above average non-adherence rate, and patients with few drugs have a below average non-adherence rate.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Using rough assumptions, the Hall paper concluded the economic damage from Microsoft's practices amounted to overcharging about $10 for each copy of its Windows operating system.

The New York Times

When they've tried, it has been based on rough assumptions, for example supposing that fires are likely to occur above certain temperature and below specific moisture levels.

Science Magazine

Similar types of rough assumptions were also used in the extension of temperature to very low temperatures (beyond the freezing point of mercury and alcohol).

SEP

Because those values are based on rough assumptions, further studies based on surface flux measurements need to be conducted to more accurately estimate the re-suspension factors.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Using a number of rough assumptions, Plexus estimates optimal fund size like this: small-cap growth, $700 million; large-cap growth, $1.7 billion; small-cap value, $3.6 billion; large-cap value, $10.7 billion.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough assumption", acknowledge its limitations and indicate that further investigation or more precise data may be needed to refine the understanding.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "rough assumption" as a definitive fact. Always frame it with qualifying language to indicate its speculative nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough assumption" functions as a noun phrase, where "rough" modifies the noun "assumption". It indicates an assumption that is not precise or fully developed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough assumption" is a valid and useful expression in English, indicating an imprecise or preliminary belief. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It's commonly used in scientific, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations and not present it as a definitive fact. Alternatives like ""preliminary estimate"" or ""crude approximation"" can be used depending on the specific context. Always remember to validate any "rough assumption" with more precise data when available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate calculation

Focuses on the calculation being not exact.

preliminary estimate

Highlights the early stage and potentially incomplete nature of the estimation.

back-of-the-envelope calculation

Suggests a quick, informal calculation, often done without precise data.

crude approximation

Emphasizes the lack of refinement in the approximation.

general estimation

Indicates a broad and not very detailed estimation.

initial assessment

Highlights the beginning phase of the assessment and its potential incompleteness.

ballpark figure

Refers to an approximate number used for general understanding.

guesstimate

Combines 'guess' and 'estimate', implying an informed guess.

tentative hypothesis

Emphasizes the provisional and unconfirmed nature of the hypothesis.

educated guess

Highlights that the guess is based on some knowledge or reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough assumption" to introduce an idea that's based on limited information. For example: "Based on a "rough assumption", we estimated the project would take six months."

What's a good alternative to "rough assumption"?

Alternatives include "preliminary estimate", "crude approximation", or "tentative hypothesis", depending on the context.

Is it okay to base decisions on a "rough assumption"?

It's generally acceptable to start with a "rough assumption" when precise data is unavailable, but it's essential to validate the assumption as soon as more reliable information becomes accessible.

What makes an assumption "rough"?

An assumption is "rough" when it is based on incomplete data, simplified models, or generalizations. It is a preliminary estimate made in the absence of precise information.