roughly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an approximation or similarity between two things. Example: "The new software functions roughly like the previous version, but with added features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Big capacitors, the kind most likely to be dangerous, are usually cylindrical and look roughly like battery cells.

WikiHow

And it sounds roughly like this: Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer.

The Guardian - Travel

The story goes roughly like this.

The Guardian - Books

One scene went roughly like this.

The New York Times - Books

The process of deduction goes roughly like this.

Independent

The thought process went, roughly, like this: "Rhino"!

The New Yorker

Pronounced "yo-Mobilie," it sounds roughly like the shorthand for Fuck Mobile to a Russian ear.

The New Yorker

It looked very roughly like a hand with crooked and spread fingers.

The New Yorker

It goes roughly like this: Give a few V.C.'s access to the technology deals.

The New York Times

So the comment is roughly like calling the new entity "a nonmusic CMT for Northerners".

The New York Times - Arts

Maude told Newsnight on BBC2: "The Conservative party divided roughly like the country does.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roughly like" when you want to indicate an approximation or general similarity, without implying exactness. For example, "The cost will be roughly like last year's budget, with some adjustments for inflation."

Common error

Avoid using "roughly like" when you need to express an exact match or precise measurement. Instead, opt for phrases such as "exactly like" or "precisely the same as" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly like" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a comparison. It indicates that the similarity being described is approximate rather than exact. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to express a degree of resemblance without strict precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "roughly like" serves as a valuable tool for indicating approximations and similarities in language. It's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general informational content. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English. When aiming for precision, it may be prudent to select more specific alternatives. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, the phrase effectively communicates a sense of approximation without implying exact equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately similar to

This alternative directly substitutes "roughly" with "approximately", maintaining a similar level of precision and similarity.

somewhat similar to

This option uses "somewhat" to convey a slightly less precise similarity than "roughly".

more or less like

Emphasizes a slight margin of error or difference, indicating an overall similarity.

in the ballpark of

This idiom implies a degree of approximation within a general range.

comparable to

Indicates a direct comparison, suggesting similar attributes.

in the neighborhood of

This phrase implies that something is close to a specific value or characteristic but not exact.

something akin to

Formally expresses a comparable nature or characteristic.

along the lines of

This suggests similarity in approach or concept.

resembling

Highlights the visual or superficial similarity between two things.

of a kind

Expresses similarity on a broader scale.

FAQs

How can I use "roughly like" in a sentence?

Use "roughly like" to indicate that something is similar, but not exactly the same, as something else. For instance, "The texture is roughly like that of sandpaper."

What phrases can I use instead of "roughly like"?

You can use alternatives such as "approximately similar to", "somewhat like", or "in the ballpark of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "roughly like" in formal writing?

While "roughly like" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to convey your intended meaning. For example "comparable to".

What's the difference between "roughly like" and "exactly like"?

"Roughly like" implies an approximation or similarity, while "exactly like" indicates a precise match. Choose the phrase that accurately represents the degree of similarity you want to convey.