roughly the same size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly the same size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the dimensions or volume of two or more objects that are similar but not identical in size. Example: "The two boxes are roughly the same size, making them suitable for stacking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As couples surely know, a car is roughly the same size as a queen-sized bed.

The New York Times

They were roughly the same size.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sony's model is roughly the same size as Panasonic's version.

The New York Times - Tech

Each of the three over-painted pictures dates from 1935 and is roughly the same size.

The Guardian - Arts

The switch in one year is roughly the same size as the total US wind generation.

The Guardian

We were roughly the same size as Sky, they're now twice the size of us.

The Guardian

Far above Windermere, in a house roughly the same size, GOD watches with interest.

The New Yorker

There are other white-flowered hybrids, single and double, of roughly the same size.

The New York Times

All atoms are roughly the same size, whether they have 3 or 90 electrons.

Britannica

Spiders kept at roughly the same size avoided sibling rivalry for longer.

The Washington Post

They're all roughly the same size, with roughly the same user interface.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing objects, ensure that "roughly the same size" is followed by a unit of measurement or a clear reference point to enhance clarity. For instance, "roughly the same size as a basketball" provides a concrete comparison.

Common error

Be cautious of using "roughly the same size" when differences are significant. Overstating similarity can mislead readers. Instead, use more precise language or acknowledge the variances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly the same size" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's used to describe the similarity in dimensions of two or more items without implying perfect equality. It indicates an approximation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "roughly the same size" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that two or more items share similar dimensions without being exactly equal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness is validated across various sources, and its usage spans from news and media to encyclopedias and academic texts. When using the expression, consider providing a point of reference or comparison and avoid overstating similarity where significant differences exist. Alternative phrases such as "approximately equal in size" or "about the same dimensions" can be used for variety. The phrase is suitable for general, neutral contexts but may lack the precision required for formal scientific or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately equal in size

Replaces "roughly" with "approximately", indicating a more precise estimate of similarity.

around the same overall size

Adds "overall" to emphasize that the total size is similar, even if some dimensions differ.

about the same dimensions

Substitutes "size" with "dimensions", focusing on specific measurements.

nearly identical in scale

Uses "nearly identical" to emphasize the high degree of similarity and replaces "size" with "scale", suitable when discussing proportions.

virtually the same magnitude

Employs "virtually" to suggest a minimal difference, replacing "size" with "magnitude", appropriate for abstract concepts or impacts.

comparable in measurement

Focuses on the aspect of measurement to show similarity.

of similar proportions

Highlights similarity in proportions rather than absolute size.

much the same area

Uses the term "area" instead of "size", which can be useful when dealing with surfaces.

in the same class of magnitude

More formal and scientific; indicates they belong to the same order of magnitude.

in close proportion

Highlights the similarity in ratio or proportion between the objects.

FAQs

How can I use "roughly the same size" in a sentence?

You can use "roughly the same size" to compare objects or spaces, indicating they are similar in dimension but not exactly equal. For example: "The two rooms were "roughly the same size", each about 10 square meters."

What can I say instead of "roughly the same size"?

Alternatives include "approximately equal in size", "about the same dimensions", or "nearly identical in scale", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "rougly the same size"?

No, the correct spelling is "roughly", with two 'g's. "Roughly the same size" indicates that two or more things are near to but not exactly the same size.

What's the difference between "roughly the same size" and "exactly the same size"?

"Roughly the same size" implies a close similarity but allows for minor variations. "Exactly the same size" indicates there is no measurable difference in dimensions.