rough like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough like" can be used in written English.
It means similar to; not exactly the same, but close. For example, you might say, "The terrain was rough like a rough sea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But his mum, she likes her bit of rough, like, and I'm partial to a blond brewstered divorcée with tits all bought n paid for like a pair of friggin watermelons, so I adter take her boy on when I married her, didn't I? Don't know who his father was; some penpusher, friggin accountant or somet, never done a day's real work in his life.

Vice

Axelrod says viewers are more likely to be arrested by shots that look rough, like "a hybrid, part political commercial, part news". He found a grainy, C-Span-style shot of Obama talking about homelessness on the floor of the State Senate, which Axelrod now uses to establish Obama's prior political experience.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's green and rough, like the bark of a tree...

The New York Times - Books

Government hand rough, like that of teen-age boy.

The New Yorker

The raw, unvarnished love, rough like a carpenter's hands.

The Guardian - Music

I am rough like that, and I don't apologize".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

In Baltimore, there is a history of "rough rides" like this.

The New Yorker

"Damn Mami is rough, I like that".

Huffington Post

Though she likes rough voices like Chris Knight's and Steve Earle's, hers is animated and clean and agreeable, not particularly spiteful or stubborn.

The New York Times - Arts

Its rough cigar-like shape is in contrast to the graceful arcs observed around the Crab and Vela pulsars.

Harvard University

Akhmad had a rough, walrus-like manner, a bulbous nose and an earthy charisma.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough like" to draw a comparison that vividly illustrates the texture, condition, or nature of something by associating it with a known rough entity or state.

Common error

While "rough like" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise and descriptive adjectives when appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough like" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something by likening its texture, appearance, or condition to something known to be rough. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough like" is a comparative adjective phrase used to vividly describe something by comparing it to a rough texture or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, though it may be more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. While effective for creating relatable descriptions, consider using more precise language in formal or technical writing. Examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its usage across various media, affirming its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coarse as

Focuses on the textural similarity, emphasizing a lack of smoothness.

uneven like

Highlights the irregularity in surface or quality.

jagged as

Emphasizes sharp, projecting points or edges.

crude like

Suggests a lack of refinement or sophistication.

asperity similar to

Highlights the harshness or severity of a surface or situation.

textured akin to

Focuses on the distinct tactile quality.

unpolished resembling

Indicates a lack of smoothness and refinement.

gnarled like

Emphasizes a twisted, knotty appearance or character.

rugged similar to

Highlights the toughness and resilience of something.

tumultuous as

Focuses on the turbulent or disorderly nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough like" to describe a texture or condition that resembles something coarse or uneven. For example, "The bark of the tree was "rough like" sandpaper."

What are some alternatives to "rough like"?

Alternatives include "coarse as", "uneven like", or "jagged as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rough like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rough like" is grammatically acceptable and commonly used to make comparisons. However, it's crucial to ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to maintain clarity in your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "rough like" in writing?

"Rough like" is most appropriate in informal or descriptive contexts where a direct, relatable comparison is effective. It might be less suitable for highly formal or technical writing where more precise terminology is preferred.