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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
rough estimate cost
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "rough estimate cost" is not entirely correct in standard written English. It would be more appropriate to say "rough estimate of cost" or "estimated cost." You can use it when discussing an approximate financial figure for a project or item, especially in informal contexts. For example: "We need a rough estimate of cost before proceeding with the project." Alternative expressions include "approximate cost" and "ballpark figure."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
rough cost estimate
approximate cost
estimated cost
preliminary cost estimate
rough estimate
projected expenditure
estimated price
ballpark figure
anticipated cost
indicative price
close cost
provisional price
illustrative price
approximate price
tentative price
guesstimate
projected cost
order of magnitude
rough price
initial estimate
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
No studies in Hawthorne et al.'s [ 16] review measured the cost effectiveness of their interventions, although some included a rough estimate of costs.
Science
In one study, GPs described how they tried to make a rough estimate of cost-effectiveness to use as a basis for priority setting [ 27].
Science
In estimating the cost we have only used the rough estimate of drug costs where possible, in addition the local service planners could take into account the actual cost involved in providing the services such as cost of investigations and for the staff, and in particular the on-going costs of long-term treatment and clinical care.
Science
This is a rough estimate of the costs for AEs, but the cost to healthcare is considerable, notwithstanding the effects that AEs have on the patients.
Science
The city's Campaign Finance Board has come up with a very rough estimate that the cost of an election would double -- from $6.5 million in 1997 to $13 million in 2001.
News & Media
That €32bn figure has come from the Troika's draft report into Greece, and is its rough estimate of the cost of giving Greece until 2016 to hit its debt reduction targets.
News & Media
Fees on the schemes vary, but a rough estimate of the cost of setting up an equity release scheme is about £1,500, plus any fee you have to pay your financial adviser.
News & Media
However, a rough estimate of the cost of implementing such a policy state-wide shows that it would most likely be prohibitively expensive.
Are we getting closer to a rough estimate of the cost of trust?
News & Media
I give her a rough estimate of the cost and a referral to the specialist.
News & Media
Here's a rough estimate of the cost to upgrade a 3-ton resysteminl system in Des Moines, IA, to one with an Energy Star certification and a SEER 16 efficiency rating: $5,000, including installation.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When communicating approximate figures, clarify that the cost is a "rough estimate of cost" to manage expectations of accuracy.
Common error
Avoid using "rough estimate cost". The correct form is "rough estimate of cost" or similar, as "estimate" functions as a noun and requires a prepositional phrase for proper modification.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "rough estimate cost" attempts to function as a noun phrase, intending to identify an approximate valuation. However, the construction is grammatically flawed, making it unsuitable for formal use. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not entirely correct.
Frequent in
Science
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "rough estimate cost" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. The correct form is "rough estimate of cost" or alternatives like "estimated cost" or "approximate cost". Ludwig AI points out this grammatical issue. While the intent is to communicate an approximate valuation, using proper grammar ensures clarity and credibility. Due to the phrase's incorrectness, it lacks significant presence in authoritative sources.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
rough cost estimate
Switches the order of "cost" and "estimate" while retaining the same basic meaning.
approximate cost
Replaces "rough estimate" with a single word indicating a similar level of precision.
estimated cost
Removes "rough" indicating a general calculation of cost.
ballpark cost figure
Uses more informal language to convey a rough approximation of cost.
preliminary cost estimate
Indicates that the estimate is early and subject to change.
tentative cost projection
Replaces "estimate" with "projection", suggesting a forecast based on current data.
initial cost assessment
Focuses on the act of assessing the cost at an early stage.
back-of-the-envelope cost calculation
Highlights the informal and quick nature of the cost estimation.
high-level cost overview
Suggests a summary without detailed cost analysis.
order-of-magnitude cost estimation
Emphasizes that the cost is only known to the nearest power of ten.
FAQs
What's grammatically incorrect about "rough estimate cost"?
The phrase "rough estimate cost" is grammatically incorrect because "estimate" is a noun and requires a preposition such as "of" to connect it to "cost". The correct phrasing would be "rough estimate of cost".
What can I say instead of "rough estimate cost"?
You can use alternatives like "rough cost estimate", "approximate cost", or "estimated cost" depending on the context.
Is "rough estimate cost" acceptable in any context?
While "rough estimate cost" might be understood in very informal conversation, it's best to avoid it in written communication. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "rough estimate of cost" or simply "estimated cost".
How accurate is a "rough estimate of cost"?
A "rough estimate of cost" implies a low degree of precision. It's an initial approximation intended to provide a general idea of the cost involved, rather than a precise figure. For more precision, aim for a detailed quote or formal estimate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested