rough estimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough estimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an approximate or general idea of a measurement or quantity. For example, "The rough estimate of the cost of the project was $100,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7Percentage is rough estimate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(This is my rough estimate).

The New York Times

That's a very rough estimate.

The Guardian - Tech

Still, this provides a very rough estimate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was, at best, a rough estimate.

The New York Times

(This is a rough estimate, and your mileage may vary).

The New York Times

3) A rough estimate of when you would like to present.

Columbia University

The pileup_map tool computes a rough estimate of the amount of pileup.

Harvard University

Our rough estimate of the number of jobs per year created by Prop.

University of California, Berkeley

A rough estimate indicates that we Californians use about 16 billion gallons of gasoline per year.

University of California, Berkeley

(Slogan: "Bob Lott. Why not?") By my rough estimate, Dad got nearly a dozen votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "rough estimate", acknowledge its limitations. Briefly explain the factors that contribute to its inexactness, fostering transparency and managing expectations.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "rough estimate" as a definitive value. Be clear that it's an approximation and not a precise measurement. Using hedging language like "approximately" or "around" can help avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough estimate" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a type of calculation or assessment. It indicates that the figure is approximate and not precisely determined. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough estimate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to indicate an approximate calculation or assessment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, although the level of formality may influence the choice of alternative phrases like "ballpark figure" or "approximate value". When using this phrase, it's essential to acknowledge its limitations and avoid overstating its accuracy. With a high frequency of occurrence across diverse sources such as News & Media and Academia, "rough estimate" remains a reliable way to communicate inexact but informative values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ballpark figure

Emphasizes a broad, approximate calculation, often used in business or finance.

approximate calculation

Highlights the inexact nature of the calculation.

guesstimate

Combines "guess" and "estimate", suggesting a less precise method.

preliminary assessment

Suggests an initial, high-level evaluation.

order of magnitude

Indicates a broad range, typically in powers of ten.

crude approximation

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the approximation.

back-of-the-envelope calculation

Implies a quick, informal calculation, often on limited resources.

educated guess

Suggests a guess based on some knowledge or experience.

general idea

Focuses on understanding the overall concept rather than precise details.

broad brushstroke

Indicates a summary without specific details.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough estimate" to indicate an approximate or inexact calculation, as in "The "rough estimate" for the project cost is $1 million."

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

Alternatives to "rough estimate" include "ballpark figure", "approximate calculation", or "guesstimate" depending on the level of precision required.

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

While "rough estimate" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise language or specifying the degree of uncertainty. Alternatives such as "approximate value" or "preliminary assessment" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "rough estimate" and "precise calculation"?

"Rough estimate" implies an inexact figure, while "precise calculation" indicates a value determined with accuracy and precision. Use "rough estimate" when accuracy is not critical or feasible, and "precise calculation" when accuracy is paramount.