rough use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the application or handling of an object or material in a manner that is not gentle or careful, often leading to wear or damage. Example: "The equipment showed signs of wear and tear due to rough use over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The main problem with wooden handles is that with rough use, they can crack, split or break.

The New York Times

Open only a week or two after the long winter and already the place looked defiled by a summer of rough use.

The New Yorker

The transition could pass without major incident, but one unconsidered wrinkle may pose a problem: the bullpen call is often made in moments of managerial duress runners in scoring position, the game on the line, the guy you have out their faltering badly and the old, sturdy landline receiver surely was on the wrong end of some rough use.

The New Yorker

The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.

TechCrunch

If your hands begin to feel dry or rough, use lotion or moisturizer.

WikiHow

If the edges seem a little rough, use an emery board to quickly make them smooth again.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

After a hard day's riding, they sleep rough, using saddles as pillows.

The Economist

The rough used to be 3 inches deep, but people couldn't find their golf balls, Mr. Decker said.

The New York Times

Young people in custody are much more likely than others of their own age in the community to have slept rough, used illegal drugs, engaged in hazardous drinking and become early parents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Discs measuring 8 mm × 1 mm of 30% α-TCP/PLGA nanocomposite were made using a die punch kit and their surface was made rough using silicon carbide sandpaper.

Bone and Joint Research

Finish the mirror by sanding the edges of the frame, if they are rough, using a sanding sponge or sandpaper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product's durability, use "rough use" to indicate its ability to withstand demanding conditions. For example, "This phone is designed for "rough use" and can handle drops and impacts."

Common error

Avoid using "roughly used" when you mean something is designed for or has endured "rough use". "Roughly used" implies an action performed, while "rough use" describes a quality or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough use" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often modifying another noun to describe the intended or actual conditions of use for an object or material. It is used to characterize something as capable of withstanding or having experienced demanding or careless handling. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough use" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes forceful or careless handling. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. Although not extremely frequent, it appears across various contexts like news, wikis, and scientific literature. It is used to describe an inherent quality or the conditions something is subjected to. To maintain clarity, distinguish "rough use" from the verb-based phrase "roughly used". Consider alternatives like "heavy handling" or "harsh treatment" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy handling

Focuses on the physical act of handling something in a forceful or heavy manner.

careless handling

Highlights the lack of care or caution in the way something is treated.

harsh treatment

Emphasizes the severity and potential damage inflicted by the way something is used.

abusive handling

Suggests a more extreme form of mistreatment, implying intentional damage.

heavy-duty use

Highlights the item is made to withstand heavy use, implying it's more resilient.

vigorous use

Emphasizes the energy and forcefulness applied during the use of something.

strenuous use

Highlights the demanding nature of the use and the strain it puts on the object.

hard wear

Focuses on the resulting damage and wear from demanding conditions.

excessive wear and tear

Emphasizes the degree of damage resulting from prolonged or intense usage.

arduous use

Emphasizes the difficulty or laboriousness associated with the use of something.

FAQs

What does "rough use" mean?

"Rough use" refers to handling something in a forceful or careless way, often resulting in wear or damage. It implies a lack of gentleness or caution in how something is used.

What are some synonyms for "rough use"?

Alternatives to "rough use" include "heavy handling", "careless handling", or "harsh treatment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can say, "The equipment showed signs of wear and tear due to "rough use" over the years" or "This product is built to withstand "rough use"".

Is it correct to say "roughly used" instead of "rough use"?

While "roughly used" describes an action, "rough use" is typically used to describe the inherent quality or condition of something. For example, it's more common to say "designed for "rough use"" rather than "designed to be roughly used".