rough out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to creating a preliminary version or outline of something, such as a plan or design. Example: "Before we finalize the project, let's rough out the main ideas and structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it's pretty rough out there".

The New Yorker

"It's rough out here," he said.

The New York Times

You know, it was rough out there.

The New York Times - Sports

It's rough out there in 'Ring'-cycle world".

The New York Times - Travel

Lord knows it's rough out there in the housing market.

The New York Times

Rough out the new hole before you start.

The New York Times

"It can get rough out there," said Tim Jones, 22, of the United States team.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a little rough out there, but it's basketball," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It could get a little rough out there," Mr. Grant said.

The New York Times

"Is there a diamond in the rough out there?" the unnamed recruiter told researchers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We were told by a colleague she was doing a rough-out of the wedding invitations on the day she was killed," said Peter Bone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the initial stages of a project, use "rough out" to emphasize that the plan is not yet finalized. For example, "Let's rough out the budget before presenting it to the board."

Common error

Avoid using "rough out" when you mean to indicate that something is finished. "Rough out" specifically refers to a preliminary or initial version, not the final product. Don't say "I've roughed out the report" if you mean you've completed it.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "rough out" primarily functions to describe the act of creating a preliminary or basic version of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, this may involve sketching a design, drafting a plan, or outlining key elements. The examples in Ludwig showcase this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "rough out" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the creation of a preliminary version of something, whether it's a plan, design, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in news media, encyclopedias, and wikis. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal, making it suitable for everyday communication and less formal writing. When using "rough out", ensure you’re conveying that the subject is in its early stages of development and not a finished product. Alternatives like "sketch out" or "outline" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sketch out

Focuses on creating a basic visual representation or plan.

outline

Emphasizes creating a structured overview of the main points.

draft

Highlights the creation of a preliminary version of a document or plan.

block in

Refers to defining the basic shapes or forms in art or design.

hammer out

Suggests working through difficulties to reach a solution or agreement.

tough it out

Implies enduring a difficult situation with resilience.

grin and bear it

Means accepting a difficult or unpleasant situation with stoicism.

weather the storm

Focuses on surviving a challenging period or crisis.

get through

Emphasizes successfully completing a difficult task or situation.

make do

Highlights managing with limited resources or in adverse conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough out" to describe the initial stages of planning or creating something. For example, "The architect will rough out the design before creating detailed blueprints".

What does it mean when someone says "It's rough out there"?

The phrase "It's rough out there" means that conditions are difficult or challenging. This can apply to various situations, such as the job market or current events.

What's a good alternative to "rough out" when describing a preliminary plan?

Alternatives to "rough out" include "sketch out", "outline", or "draft", depending on the context.

Is "rough out" the same as "rough in"?

While similar, "rough out" generally refers to creating an initial plan or sketch, while "rough in" often refers to doing the preliminary work on a construction project, such as installing basic plumbing or electrical wiring.