rough guidelines

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough guidelines" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to general or approximate guidelines or rules, without being too specific or exact. Example: "When writing a research paper, there are some rough guidelines to follow, such as including a clear thesis statement and providing supporting evidence for each main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Those national polls, with their consistent methodology, provide a rough guidelines to the contours of any presidential race.

The New York Times

Newspapers have reported on the rough guidelines on Internet use that the Justice Ministry plans to promulgate.

The New York Times

That it can be maddening to try to draw such lines was evident in the attempt by Al Arabiya to explain its own rough guidelines.

The New York Times

Here are some rough guidelines: "Can I wear turquoise?" – Yes, it's a beautiful stone, it's found throughout the world, and Native people do not claim ownership over its use.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wondered whether he took these statements as rough guidelines or fixed rules — and whether he recognized that the immigrant's only true faith is in rules, ones that can be memorized and mastered, providing a structure of relief or a path requiring circumvention.

The New Yorker

Rough guidelines.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The daily specials can indicate either too much inventory or a chef's treasure, with price as a rough guideline.

The New York Times

Mark Kantrowitz, who runs the encyclopedic Finaid.org Web site, has developed one rough guideline: Students should borrow no more, in total, than whatever they think their first-year salary will be once they are finished (though ideally a lot less).

The New York Times

Several witnesses are dead or cannot remember, much evidence is long lost, and Uganda's legal system is often unable to deal with the simplest crimes, let alone this one.Mr Mukiibi, who takes the official court record in longhand, is juggling 30 cases before him this session, over half of which involve the crime of "defilement" (the age of consent is treated as a rough guideline in much of Uganda).

The Economist

Instead, it provides a rough guideline for easy selection of a suitable scheme.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Search engine Bookfinder.com, owned by AbeBooks, offers a rough guideline of what a book is worth.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough guidelines" when you want to indicate that the provided information is not strict or precise, allowing for flexibility and adaptation based on specific circumstances.

Common error

Avoid presenting "rough guidelines" as definitive rules; ensure the context clarifies that they are intended as flexible suggestions, not rigid requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough guidelines" functions as a modifier + noun construction. It's used to describe the nature of guidelines, indicating that they are not precise or definitive but rather approximate or general. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough guidelines" is a common and acceptable way to describe instructions or recommendations that are not intended to be strict or precise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to provide general guidance, allowing for flexibility and adaptation. Found frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts, it serves to offer direction without imposing rigid rules. When using "rough guidelines", remember to clarify that they are suggestions, not mandatory requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate directions

Focuses on the approximate nature of the guidance provided.

general recommendations

Emphasizes the broad and non-specific nature of the advice.

broad suggestions

Highlights the wide-ranging and non-detailed aspect of the recommendations.

preliminary guidance

Suggests the guidance is initial and subject to change.

basic instructions

Focuses on the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the instructions.

general principles

Emphasizes the underlying concepts rather than specific rules.

high-level advice

Indicates advice that is strategic and not focused on details.

tentative rules

Highlights the provisional and uncertain nature of the rules.

initial framework

Suggests a starting point for a more detailed structure.

preliminary roadmap

Emphasizes an early plan, potentially incomplete.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough guidelines" to indicate that a set of principles or instructions are not strict or precise, such as: "These cooking times are just "rough guidelines"; adjust them based on your stove and cookware."

What are some alternatives to saying "rough guidelines"?

Alternatives to "rough guidelines" include "general recommendations", "approximate directions", or "basic instructions", depending on the context and the level of precision you want to convey.

Are "rough guidelines" the same as "strict rules"?

No, "rough guidelines" are not the same as "strict rules". "Rough guidelines" are flexible and adaptable, while strict rules are rigid and must be followed precisely.

What is the difference between "rough guidelines" and a "detailed plan"?

A "detailed plan" outlines specific steps and timelines, while "rough guidelines" offer a more general framework without precise instructions. A "detailed plan" provides specifics, whereas "rough guidelines" provide general direction.