roughly to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly to" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are approximating a direction or a range, but it is better to use clearer alternatives. Example: "The distance from the city center is roughly to 10 miles."

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These categories correspond roughly to IQ scores.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Russian word droog translates, roughly, to "friend".

The New Yorker

Babushka called him "chuda," which translates, roughly, to miracle.

The New York Times

That seems, roughly, to be the attitude of everyone involved.

The New York Times

"Te metiste conmigo, pajarito" translates roughly to "You messed with me, little birdie".

The New Yorker

What is important is that they both lead roughly to the same conclusion.

The New York Times

Troy I to V corresponds roughly to the Early Bronze Age (c. 3000 to 1900 bce).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Martin force-fed me chocolate, took my rucksack and spoke very roughly to me".

Independent

The sixteen Tiller Girls correspond roughly to the Vestal Virgins of Ancient Rome.

The New Yorker

These pieces correspond in style roughly to the middle-period Italian madrigal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be dated roughly to the 1st 3rd centuries ce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roughly to", consider if a more precise term like "approximately" or "around" might provide better clarity and reduce ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly to" in contexts requiring precision. Instead, opt for terms like "precisely" or "exactly" when specific details are necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximation or estimation. It connects a subject to a value or concept in an inexact way. Ludwig examples show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "roughly to" serves as a prepositional phrase to indicate an approximation or estimation. Ludwig AI categorizes it as "Acceptable", with examples showing its usage across various domains like news, science, and encyclopedias. Although quite common, it's important to consider whether a more precise term could offer greater clarity in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "approximately", "around", or "in the vicinity of" can often be more suitable, depending on the situation. Ultimately, while "roughly to" is widely used and understood, mindful consideration of context and desired precision will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately equal to

Indicates a numerical or quantitative closeness, not necessarily a direct correspondence.

in the vicinity of

Suggests a spatial or numerical nearness, without precise measurement.

more or less

Implies an approximation, allowing for some deviation from exactness.

around

Indicates a general estimation or surrounding area.

in the neighborhood of

Suggests a similar value or quantity, implying slight variance.

approximates to

Suggests an estimation, slightly more formal than "roughly to".

is similar to

Highlights resemblance, but doesn't specify the degree of similarity.

estimates at

Focuses on the process of making an estimate.

is close to

Denotes proximity in value or description, with a nuance of precision.

corresponds with

Indicates a correlation without implying exact equivalence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "roughly to" is used to indicate an approximation or a general correspondence. For example, "The cost came "roughly to" $100" means the cost was about $100.

What can I say instead of "roughly to"?

You can use alternatives like "approximately", "around", or "about" depending on the context. Other alternatives include "in the vicinity of" or "more or less".

Is it better to say "roughly to" or "approximately"?

While both are acceptable, "approximately" is generally more formal and precise. "Roughly to" can sometimes sound more casual. The better choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Which is correct, "roughly to" or "roughly at"?

"Roughly to" and "roughly at" can convey similar meanings, but "roughly to" is typically used to indicate a result or destination, while "roughly at" is used to indicate a location or point. For instance, it's more common to say "the cost came "roughly to" $100" than "the cost was roughly at $100".