rough opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express an informal or preliminary viewpoint on a subject without going into detail or providing a thorough analysis. Example: "After reviewing the project briefly, my rough opinion is that we need to make some significant changes to improve its effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rough opinion polls suggest that they would vote overwhelmingly to secede.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though rough-and-ready opinion polls suggest that Montenegrins who want independence have a slight majority, the country is bitterly split over the issue.Mr Djukanovic is offering Serbia a deal.

The Economist

The update also packs in 2 extra features: star-ratings for business can provide a rough estimate of public opinion, while user-generated content on the maps.. uh.. keeps things interesting?

TechCrunch

A recent opinion poll, necessarily rough and ready after decades when it was rash to air political preferences openly, put Nahda at 14%.

The Economist

Forgive me!" "It's touch and go!" "Take him to the abattoir!" (No sorry that was the bull who, in my opinion, got pretty rough justice).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dr Bargh said touch was an important sense not only for exploring the world but for shaping our understanding of it, reflected in expressions such as "weighing in with an opinion", "having a rough day" or "taking a hard line".

Independent

His standing as a popular preacher was undiminished, however, and the celebrated Scottish philosopher David Hume sought his opinion of the rough draft of the section "Of Human Morals" in Hume's Treatise of Human Nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Investigators formed the opinion that the rough running heard by witnesses on the ground, and the crew's decision to shut down engine number 4 and feather its propeller, may have been related to water in the fuel reaching that engine.

Wikipedia

"Then a human would take over, rejig the rough draft, adding a few opinions and value judgments".

The Guardian - Tech

Dr. Dean, who is usually disdainful of polls, spoke enthusiastically of some tracking polls -- overnight surveys that provide a rough measure of changing public opinions -- that suggested he was gaining on Mr. Kerry.

The New York Times

From amid the variety of approaches and opinions rises a rough consensus about traditional tenure: It has to go.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough opinion" when you want to convey that your viewpoint is not fully researched or developed. It's suitable for situations where you need to offer an initial assessment without committing to a definitive stance.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "rough opinion" as a definitive conclusion. Clearly indicate that it's a preliminary or tentative viewpoint to manage expectations and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough opinion" functions as a qualifier combined with a noun. It modifies the noun "opinion", indicating that the opinion is preliminary, inexact, or not fully formed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough opinion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a preliminary or tentative viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable in English writing but might be too informal for certain academic or professional settings. Consider alternatives such as "preliminary assessment" or "initial impression" for more formal contexts. Remember to clearly indicate the tentative nature of your viewpoint when using this phrase to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary assessment

Focuses on the initial nature of the evaluation.

initial impression

Highlights the first feeling or idea about something.

tentative view

Emphasizes the uncertainty and openness to change of the viewpoint.

quick judgment

Stresses the speed and lack of deep consideration in forming the opinion.

provisional opinion

Implies that the opinion is subject to revision and not yet final.

cursory evaluation

Highlights the shallowness and lack of thoroughness in the assessment.

first blush opinion

Emphasizes that the opinion is based on an initial, superficial look.

top-level estimation

Stresses that the estimation is approximate and lacks detail.

initial take

Similar to "initial impression" but slightly more informal.

general sentiment

Refers to a broad feeling or attitude rather than a specific opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough opinion" to introduce a preliminary viewpoint, such as, "My "rough opinion" is that the project needs adjustments, but I need more data to confirm."

What's a more formal alternative to "rough opinion"?

For a more formal context, consider using "preliminary assessment", "tentative evaluation", or "initial impression" as alternatives to "rough opinion".

Is it appropriate to use "rough opinion" in academic writing?

While "rough opinion" isn't strictly incorrect, it's generally better to use more precise language in academic writing. Consider alternatives like "initial hypothesis" or "preliminary analysis".

What's the difference between "rough opinion" and "strong opinion"?

"Rough opinion" implies a preliminary or not fully formed viewpoint, while "strong opinion" suggests a firm and well-supported belief. They differ in the level of certainty and supporting evidence.