Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
rough pass
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"rough pass" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a rough or unpolished attempt or version of something, often in the context of editing or reviewing. Example: After several rounds of edits, the author finally submitted a rough pass of their manuscript to the publisher.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
"First the robot blocked out the form, then did a rough pass, and a final detail pass," Monaghan says.
News & Media
Do a rough pass.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
9.08pm GMT 6 mins The US try to push up on a rough passing surface, but they're being pressurized in midfield early and most of the early possession is by Honduras.
News & Media
Processing of these steels consisted of a simulated roughing schedule, with the final roughing pass taking place at 850 °C.
Science
Rough roads pass beneath without drama, and smooth ones don't evoke a sense of numbness: Disconnectedness from driving is decidedly not a Mercedes trait.
News & Media
Using open source speech-to-text software called Sphinx-4 developed at Carnegie Mellon University (where co-founder Matt Swanson studied artificial intelligence), the videos get a rough first pass.
News & Media
Who is most likely to get flagged for unnecessary roughness or roughing the passer?
News & Media
The rough track passes woodland of birch and oak, skirting bogs with cotton grass, myrtle and orchids.
News & Media
Early in the second quarter with the Colts facing 3rd and 5, Watt was called for roughing the pass after sacking Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky.
News & Media
In Week 5, only 2 of the 13 games were played without either a roughing-the-passer or unnecessary-roughness penalty.
News & Media
The Pro Bowl defensive tackle was ejected after receiving roughing the passer and unnecessary roughness penalties.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "rough pass" when referring to a stage in a process where refinement is expected in subsequent steps. For example, in writing, editing, or manufacturing.
Common error
Avoid using "rough pass" to describe something that is intended to be the finished or final product. The phrase implies incompleteness and a need for further work.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
"Rough pass" functions as a noun phrase used to denote a preliminary or unrefined version of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. This phrase often appears when describing the stages of editing, design, or manufacturing, implying that subsequent steps will refine the initial work.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Science
34%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "rough pass" signifies a preliminary or unrefined version of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct expression, although its frequency of use is rare. Predominantly found in news, wiki and science contexts, it communicates that something is still in development and subject to later refinement. When using "rough pass", it is important to indicate this stage of development, avoiding its application to final products. Alternatives include "initial draft" or "preliminary version".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
initial draft
Emphasizes the early stage of development and imperfection.
preliminary version
Highlights that the version is not yet final or polished.
early iteration
Focuses on it being one of several attempts, usually iterative.
first attempt
Underlines the fact it is the first try and likely not perfect.
quick review
Suggests a fast and not very detailed evaluation.
cursory examination
Highlights that the analysis was quick and perhaps not thorough.
hasty assessment
Stresses the speed and potential lack of depth in the evaluation.
unpolished version
Focuses on the lack of refinement.
raw version
Stresses the natural and unprocessed nature of the stage.
rough calculation
Indicates an approximate rather than precise computation.
FAQs
How can I use "rough pass" in a sentence?
You can use "rough pass" to describe an initial, unrefined version of something. For instance: "The editor completed a "quick review" of the manuscript during its rough pass."
What does "rough pass" mean in the context of editing?
In editing, a "rough pass" refers to the first stage of editing, where the editor focuses on the overall structure and clarity, rather than the finer details of grammar and style.
What can I say instead of "rough pass"?
You can use alternatives like "initial draft", "preliminary version", or "first attempt" depending on the context.
Is "rough pass" the same as "final version"?
No, "rough pass" and "final version" are opposites. A "rough pass" is an early, unrefined version, while a final version is the polished, completed product.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested