rough estimates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough estimates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing an approximate calculation or assessment that is not precise. Example: "Based on the data we have, I can provide you with rough estimates of the project's costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some rough estimates follow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The numbers are rough estimates.

The New York Times - Health

She acknowledged that those were rough estimates.

The New York Times

They are rough estimates at best.

The New York Times

Rough estimates of the industry cost run beyond $200 million.

The New York Times

Economists acknowledge that these figures are rough estimates.

The New York Times

A few site managers, however, will provide rough estimates.

The New York Times - Tech

Mearns made some very rough estimates based on this standard.

The New Yorker

The numbers are rough estimates, but huge by any measure.

The New York Times

Some very rough estimates put the state's pet python population above 5,000.

The New York Times - Science

Of course, these figures are rough estimates, and the actual numbers could be less or more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "rough estimates", always acknowledge their imprecision to avoid misleading your audience. Use qualifiers like "approximately", "about", or "in the range of".

Common error

Avoid presenting "rough estimates" as definitive facts. Doing so can undermine your credibility and lead to incorrect conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough estimates" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate approximations or inexact calculations. For instance, "Some very rough estimates put the state's pet python population above 5,000."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough estimates" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote approximate calculations or values. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to acknowledge the inherent imprecision to avoid misleading the audience. Alternative phrases like "approximate calculations" or "ballpark figures" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "rough estimates" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate calculations

Focuses on the calculation aspect being approximate, rather than the estimate itself.

ballpark figures

More informal, suggesting a general idea of a quantity.

preliminary estimations

Implies the estimations are initial and subject to change.

crude approximations

Highlights the lack of precision in the approximation.

order-of-magnitude estimates

Focuses on estimating the scale or power of something.

back-of-the-envelope calculations

Suggests quick, informal calculations, often done without precise data.

high-level estimates

Emphasizes that the estimates are broad and not detailed.

rule-of-thumb estimations

Implies the estimations are based on practical experience rather than precise formulas.

educated guesses

Suggests the estimates are informed by knowledge but still involve uncertainty.

guesstimates

Informal term for estimates based on limited information.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough estimates" when you want to show an approximate calculation, for example: "The "rough estimates" suggest the project will cost around $1 million."

What phrases are similar to "rough estimates"?

Similar phrases include "approximate calculations", "ballpark figures", or "preliminary estimations".

When is it appropriate to use "rough estimates"?

It's appropriate to use "rough estimates" when precise data is unavailable or when a quick, approximate calculation is sufficient for the purpose.

How do "rough estimates" differ from precise calculations?

"Rough estimates" are approximations based on incomplete data, while precise calculations rely on accurate and complete information to produce an exact result.