rough condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough condition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is worn or damaged. For example: "The old chair was found in a rough condition, but after some sanding and painting, it looks almost new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I've been in a rough condition for three or four months," he says on the phone from his home in Sheffield.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After years of farm duty, the tractor was in serviceable, but extremely rough condition, said Mr. Haass in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Even in its current rough condition, the quarry is such a good deal for the Taliban that one tribesman, known as Bahadar, who works there, predicted, "If this continues for two more years, they will take on America itself".

The New York Times

Farther along, toward Kandahar, through desert where only thorn bushes grow and huge dust storms sometimes shroud the way ahead, the villages and towns are smaller, poorer and, because of the rough condition of the road, so cut off that few people can reach a hospital in an emergency.

The New York Times

Actually, (HR) is a very rough condition.

Advances in Difference Equations

(3) At the fully rough condition ((k_{text{s}}^ > 70)), the viscous sub-layer is assumed to be destroyed.

Petroleum Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Roughness blocks whose heights were one eighth of the hill height were arranged in a staggered pattern with a roughness density of 4.1% to model the rough conditions.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The isolation and rough conditions took a heavy toll.

The New York Times - Books

No one wants to hear soldiers whining about rough conditions.

The New York Times

Was she preparing herself, I asked Markovic, for the rough conditions of a Serbian prison?

The New York Times - Magazine

Rough conditions are expected in ocean racing, and safety investigations by national federations are not common.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "rough condition". While generally acceptable, more formal or technical contexts might benefit from more precise or descriptive language. For instance, instead of saying "the engine was in rough condition", specify what aspects of the engine were damaged or not working.

Common error

Avoid using "rough condition" to describe abstract or emotional states. While technically grammatically correct, phrases like "My emotions are in rough condition" sound awkward. Opt for more appropriate vocabulary, such as "turmoil", "distress", or "fragile state."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough condition" primarily functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate a state of disrepair, imperfection, or hardship. As Ludwig AI reports, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough condition" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is worn, damaged, or imperfect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase. It's most frequently found in news and media and science contexts, but also appears in more informal settings. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase, and consider more precise or formal alternatives if necessary. Remember to avoid overusing it in abstract contexts, where more specific vocabulary is usually more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor state

Replaces "rough" with "poor", focusing on the inadequacy of the condition.

damaged state

Emphasizes the damage aspect of the condition.

bad shape

Uses a more informal idiom to describe a damaged or deteriorated state.

impaired condition

Focuses on the diminished or weakened aspect of the state.

deteriorated state

Highlights the process of decline in the condition.

fragile state

Focuses on the vulnerability and likelihood of further deterioration.

unfavorable circumstances

Shifts the focus to external conditions causing difficulty.

adverse situation

Similar to unfavorable circumstances but implies a more antagonistic context.

difficult position

Highlights the challenging aspect of the condition or situation.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough condition" to describe the state of something that is worn, damaged, or imperfect. For example: "The second-hand car was in a "rough condition", requiring significant repairs."

What are some alternatives to "rough condition"?

Alternatives include "poor state", "bad shape", or "damaged state", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "rough condition" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rough condition" may be considered too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more precise or descriptive language to convey the specific issues.

What's the difference between "rough condition" and "fragile state"?

"Rough condition" suggests wear, damage, or imperfection, while "fragile state" implies vulnerability and a high risk of further deterioration or collapse. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.