rough reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough reference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "rough reference" when you are referring to a general idea or outline of a concept rather than a precise representation of it. For example, "This map gives us a rough reference of the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This group of informants only considered certificates as rough reference points.

Language Testing in Asia

These can only be seen as a rough reference for an average patient of 70-80 kg.

Insights into Imaging

It should be emphasized that the fuel consumption curve developed with either the full-load or the part-load tests can only be used for the case which has the same working condition and load as the tests; otherwise, the profile of tests can only be used as a rough reference.

European Transport Research Review

This cut-off p value can be used as a rough reference for the significance threshold for our study.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

By following this nominal standard order a rough cross-reference between various books is achieved.

Piping and Pipeline Calculations Manual Construction, Design, Fabrication, and Examination

The wall, intentionally rough, is a reference to the sea wall that once held back the lake, and the boardwalk, or seam, as Ms. Gustafson calls it, harks back to the first wooden boardwalks built over the swampy shore that was to become Chicago.

The New York Times

The shape of the building block is a rough assumption in reference to previous studies [2,4], which have approximated the dimensions of C-S-H blocksng blocks.

Nanoscale Research Letters

There are, at a rough count, 36 references to George Orwell in this voluminous collection of Christopher Hitchens's journalism from the past decade.

The Guardian - Books

Asked about Cameron, he expressed sympathy for him, even though there had been what he described as rough patches, presumably a reference to the former prime minister's criticism of the presumptive Republican candidate.

The Guardian

According to Reference [22], rough estimation of the changes of coercivity with temperature can be made using the formula: {H}_{mathrm{c}}(T ={H}_{mathrm{c}0}left[1-{left(T/{T}_{mathrm{b}}right)}^{0.5}right] (1 where Hc0 is the coercivity at T = 0 K.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Jared Leto spoke of the name as "a reference, a rough translation from the book.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough reference" when you want to convey that the information is not precise or definitive, but rather a general guide.

Common error

Avoid using "rough reference" when the context requires precise data or definitive information. In such cases, opt for more specific and accurate terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough reference" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "rough" modifies the noun "reference". It signifies that the reference is not exact or precise, but rather an approximation or a general guide. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough reference" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate an approximate or imprecise guide. As noted by Ludwig AI, it correctly conveys the idea of a general indication rather than a precise measurement. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including scientific, news, and general knowledge domains. Alternatives like "approximate guide" or "general indication" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the term, ensure that the level of precision matches the context, avoiding its use when accuracy is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate guide

Emphasizes the guiding aspect while maintaining the idea of being imprecise.

general indication

Focuses on providing a broad indication without specifics.

preliminary estimate

Highlights the initial and not fully refined nature of the reference.

broad outline

Suggests a skeletal structure rather than detailed information.

crude approximation

Indicates a less refined and potentially inaccurate estimate.

ballpark figure

Offers a colloquial term for an approximate numerical value.

basic framework

Implies a foundational structure that lacks detail.

cursory overview

Suggests a brief and high-level examination.

tentative benchmark

Highlights the provisional nature of the reference point.

initial pointer

Focuses on the role of the reference as a starting point.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough reference" to indicate that something is an approximate guide or estimate. For example, "This sketch provides a "rough reference" for the layout of the garden".

What can I say instead of "rough reference"?

You can use alternatives like "approximate guide", "general indication", or "preliminary estimate" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "rough reference" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "rough reference" may be more suited to contexts where a degree of imprecision is acceptable. In highly formal settings, consider using more precise language if available.

What's the difference between "rough reference" and "detailed reference"?

"Rough reference" implies a general or approximate guide, while "detailed reference" suggests a comprehensive and precise source of information.