roughly two centuries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly two centuries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when estimating a time period that spans approximately 200 years. Example: "The invention of the steam engine marked a significant turning point in technology, influencing various industries for roughly two centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In existence for roughly two centuries, Remington is rightly known as "America's oldest gunmaker".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the roughly two centuries since this massive neo-Classical church was converted into a secular mausoleum, fewer than 80 people have been admitted into its gravestone club.

The New York Times

Mr. Gopnik's new book is largely about that myth and how it has influenced our conceptions of fine dining for roughly two centuries.

The New York Times - Food

For roughly two centuries, Israel had existed as a loose confederation of tribes, dependent for their unity upon bonds of religious faith and covenant that were renewed periodically in cultic ceremonies at the central shrine at Shiloh.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deborah Cameron, writing about feminist dictionaries, has cited the example of the word "lesbian," which wasn't included in the Oxford English Dictionary until 1976, roughly two centuries after it entered common usage.

The New Yorker

The key demographic variables are presented in Table  3.> The simulation covers seven periods (generations) or roughly two centuries during which there are three distinct phases, as follows: Boom: Temporarily high net fertility which leads to an increase in the share of the population in the working ages as measured either by the percentage of the population who are workers or the support ratio.

European Journal of Population

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The show spans roughly three centuries, beginning in the 18th.

The New York Times

Roughly four centuries on, he has proved that although this place can "exact a terrible price for its beauty," sometimes a lucky visitor can depart from it both enriched and unscathed.

The New York Times - Books

Roughly four centuries after the invention of the scientific method, the leaders of the scientific community are recalibrating their requirements, pushing for the sharing of data and greater experimental transparency.

The Guardian

A large body of literature concerned with examining the received teachings had emerged roughly three centuries after the death of the Buddha (ca. 150 B.C.E).

SEP

For example, these novels span about three centuries, roughly 1700 to 2000.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roughly two centuries", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the period is approximating. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly two centuries" when a more precise figure is available. If the exact number of years is known or easily calculated, using that precise figure will enhance your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly two centuries" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating an approximate duration of time. Ludwig AI validates this usage. It modifies a statement by providing an estimation of time, suggesting the period is near to, but not necessarily exactly, 200 years.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roughly two centuries" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate an approximate period of 200 years. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. Although it's not extremely common, with Ludwig showing a limited number of examples, it appears across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and science. It's important to ensure that the context clarifies the period being estimated, and to avoid using it when a precise figure is known. Alternatives like "approximately 200 years" or "about two centuries" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately 200 years

Uses "approximately" instead of "roughly" offering a slightly more formal tone.

about two centuries

Replaces "roughly" with "about", providing a simpler and more casual alternative.

around two centuries

Substitutes "roughly" with "around", keeping a similar level of informality.

more or less two centuries

Emphasizes the approximation with "more or less".

nearly two centuries

Focuses on the closeness to the two-century mark.

something like two centuries

Uses a more conversational tone to indicate approximation.

in the neighborhood of two centuries

Adds a colloquial touch using "in the neighborhood of" for approximation.

in the vicinity of two centuries

Uses "in the vicinity of" for a more precise but still approximate estimation.

in the ballpark of two centuries

Employs the idiom "in the ballpark of" to suggest a rough estimate.

in the range of two centuries

Suggests that the duration falls within a spectrum close to two centuries.

FAQs

How can I use "roughly two centuries" in a sentence?

You can use "roughly two centuries" to estimate a period of about 200 years. For example: "The company has been in operation for "approximately two centuries"."

What's a more formal way to say "roughly two centuries"?

A more formal alternative is "approximately two hundred years". This provides a more precise and academic tone.

Is it acceptable to use "around two centuries" instead of "roughly two centuries"?

Yes, "around two centuries" is an acceptable alternative. It is slightly less formal but still conveys the same meaning of approximation.

How does "roughly two centuries" differ from "exactly two centuries"?

"Roughly two centuries" indicates an estimate or approximation, while "exactly two centuries" signifies a precise period of 200 years. If the time frame is not precise, use "roughly two centuries" or a similar phrase like "about two centuries".