rough work

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough work" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to work that is not yet completed or is still in a preliminary stage. Example: She submitted her rough work to her supervisor for feedback before finalizing her research paper.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Rough work".

The New York Times

"It is hard, rough work.

The Guardian

Like staging a rough work at Carnegie Hall.

The New York Times - Arts

Sorting truth from fantasy can be rough work.

The New York Times

I'm going to pull out all your teeth.' " Being America's bandleader can be rough work.

The New Yorker

His hands are smooth but still bear the signs of rough work.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

WITH rough, work-thickened hands, unruly hair and a steady gaze, Anselme Selosse looks the image of the French vigneron, a man more comfortable tending vines and working in his cellar than he is in a New York restaurant talking to sommeliers and wine writers.

The New York Times - Food

It's a (very rough) working title.

The Guardian - Books

The anvil chorus is a heavy, rough, working world, and Manrico cannot understand why he feels so out of place there.

The New York Times - Arts

It was that kind of day for Woods, hitting out of the rough, working shots around trees, missing key putts and never building momentum.

The New York Times - Sports

The drawings made by Piranesi on the spot in this still remote and disease-ridden spot would have been rough working sketches – not the elaborate drawings seen at the Soane, said Kierkuc-Bielinski.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing early-stage projects or drafts, use "rough work" to convey that the material is still under development and subject to significant changes.

Common error

Avoid using "rough work" when you intend to describe something done poorly due to lack of skill; instead, use terms like "poor craftsmanship" or "inadequate work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough work" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'rough' modifies the noun 'work'. This signifies work that is either physically demanding or in a preliminary stage. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

20%

Books

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes work that is either physically demanding or in an early, unrefined stage. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, with News & Media being the most frequent. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider its connotation to ensure it aligns with the intended message, avoiding confusion with work that is simply done poorly. Consider alternatives such as "difficult task" or "preliminary draft" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult task

Focuses on the challenge and difficulty involved in the work.

arduous labor

Emphasizes the strenuous and prolonged effort required.

heavy lifting

Highlights the physically demanding aspect of the work.

laborious job

Stresses the time and effort-consuming nature of the work.

tough assignment

Refers to a specific task that is challenging to complete.

preliminary draft

Indicates work in an early stage of development, focusing on its unrefined state.

unrefined creation

Highlights the lack of polish or refinement in the work.

initial version

Points out that the work is the first iteration and subject to change.

unfinished project

Emphasizes that the work is incomplete and still in progress.

early stage work

Highlights that the work is in its nascent phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough work" to describe tasks that are physically demanding, challenging, or in an early, unrefined stage. For instance, "Mining is often considered "a difficult task", involving a lot of rough work." Alternatively, "The document is still "a preliminary draft", just a piece of rough work."

What are some alternatives to "rough work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "difficult task", "arduous labor", or "preliminary draft".

Is "rough work" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "rough work" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing the nature of the work being discussed. However, consider alternatives like /s/arduous+labor or /s/strenuous+effort, if you need more formality.

What's the difference between "rough work" and "sloppy work"?

"Rough work" typically refers to work that is in its early stages or is physically demanding, while "sloppy work" implies carelessness and poor quality. It suggests a lack of attention to detail, which may not be the same as the first meaning.