rough ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing preliminary thoughts or concepts that are not fully developed or refined. Example: "During the brainstorming session, we shared some rough ideas for the new marketing campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

His rough ideas for the layout were accepted, and then politics and horse-trading took over.

The New Yorker

I had two rough ideas, both with a theme in common.

The Guardian - Books

Rough ideas are refined, old gameplay is made more fun, and better technology improves graphics and sound.

The New York Times - Arts

The President's rough ideas about his ability to direct the investigative process might lead him in reckless directions.

The New Yorker

It's funny: When I write a script, I write down rough ideas on a legal pad, and I do my outlines on a legal pad.

The New Yorker

Her Mondays and Tuesdays are usually spent developing and then faxing rough ideas to The New Yorker; her Thursdays and Fridays are spent finishing the ideas they accept.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "rough ideas", clearly label them as such to manage expectations and encourage constructive feedback. For example, start by saying, "These are just some rough ideas we've been exploring."

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone interprets "rough" as preliminary or flexible. Clearly articulate that these ideas are open to modification and are not yet set in stone. Be prepared to explain the rationale behind each idea, even if it's still in its early stages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough ideas" functions as a noun phrase, where "rough" modifies the noun "ideas". According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. It is used to describe concepts that are in an early stage of development and not yet fully refined.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rough ideas" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote preliminary or undeveloped concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science and general discussions. While suitable for professional settings, it's crucial to communicate clearly that the ideas are in their early stages and open to refinement. When using "rough ideas", it's beneficial to provide context and invite feedback to foster collaborative development. Alternatives such as "preliminary concepts" or "initial thoughts" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary concepts

Focuses on the early stage of concept development.

initial thoughts

Emphasizes the beginning stage of thinking about something.

undeveloped notions

Highlights the lack of full development.

early drafts

Implies a written format that needs further refinement.

sketchy plans

Indicates a lack of detail and potential incompleteness in the planning stage.

raw concepts

Stresses the unrefined nature of the ideas.

half-baked schemes

Suggests the ideas are not fully thought out and potentially flawed.

embryonic concepts

Uses a biological metaphor to describe ideas in their early stages of development.

tentative proposals

Highlights the provisional and uncertain nature of the ideas.

vague outlines

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough ideas" to describe preliminary concepts or plans. For example, "We brainstormed some "rough ideas" for the project's initial phase".

What are some alternatives to "rough ideas"?

Alternatives include "preliminary concepts", "initial thoughts", or "undeveloped notions", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to present "rough ideas" in a formal setting?

Yes, it can be appropriate, but it's important to frame them as such. Clearly state that these are early-stage concepts that are open for discussion and refinement. Use phrases like "preliminary ideas" or "initial concepts" to set the right tone.

What is the difference between "rough ideas" and "detailed plans"?

"Rough ideas" are preliminary and lack specifics, while "detailed plans" are comprehensive and include specific actions, timelines, and resources. "Rough ideas" are the starting point, and "detailed plans" are the result of further development and refinement.