rough idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a concept that is not well-formed or fully developed yet. For example: I only have a rough idea of what I want to do with my career, but I'm working on it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They may have a rough idea.

The New York Times

"We have a rough idea," she hedges.

The Guardian - Arts

"We have a rough idea, but we still get surprises.

The New York Times - Science

MI6 probably do have a rough idea already of where the hostages are.

Independent

"… we get a rough idea of where it's going to go before we get the script.

Independent

Only then will we have a rough idea of how students compare with those in the past, and a rough idea is the most we can expect.

The New York Times

"They want to have a rough idea now what we're going to do.

The Guardian

The outcome is sometimes barely comprehensible, but gives a rough idea of what is possible.

The Guardian

"We also have a rough idea of where the disturbance is," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

England may have a rough idea of their personnel for Perth.

The Guardian - Sport

"I have a rough idea of who Curtis will pair with me.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough idea" when you want to convey that your understanding of something is not fully formed or precise. It's suitable for situations where details are still emerging.

Common error

Avoid using "rough idea" when you actually have a solid understanding of the subject. Overusing it can undermine your credibility and suggest a lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates an approximate or initial understanding of something. Ludwig's examples show it used across various contexts to express a basic grasp of a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rough idea" is a common and acceptable way to express a preliminary or incomplete understanding of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, media, and wiki sources. While it's generally suitable for neutral and informal settings, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating your certainty and aim for clarity in conveying your level of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general notion

Focuses on having a basic understanding, omitting details.

basic understanding

Highlights the fundamental comprehension of a subject.

vague concept

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision in the idea.

preliminary thought

Indicates an initial and undeveloped stage of thinking.

sketchy outline

Implies the idea is in an early stage, lacking detail.

initial impression

Highlights the first and often incomplete understanding.

crude approximation

Stresses that the idea is not refined or exact.

tentative plan

Suggests the idea is subject to change and not firmly established.

broad strokes

Describes an understanding focusing on general aspects, avoiding specifics.

working hypothesis

Suggests an idea used for testing and further investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough idea" to express an incomplete or preliminary understanding, such as "I have a "rough idea" of how the system works, but I need more details."

What can I say instead of "rough idea"?

You can use alternatives like "general notion", "basic understanding", or "vague concept" depending on the context.

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

While "rough idea" is acceptable, in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "preliminary thought" or "tentative plan" for a more professional tone.

How does "rough idea" differ from "detailed plan"?

"Rough idea" implies a lack of specifics and a preliminary understanding, while "detailed plan" suggests a well-developed and comprehensive strategy.