rugged surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rugged surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a surface that is rough, uneven, or has a lot of texture, often in contexts related to nature, terrain, or materials. Example: "The rugged surface of the mountain made the hike challenging but rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

One mottled segment resembles the moon's rugged surface.

The New York Times

So he tried his hand at racing stock cars designed to navigate the rugged surface of a dirt track.

The New York Times

The rugged surface and hydrophobic proteins caused the hydrophobicity of honeybee wings.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

The obtained energy landscape was separated into two regions: deep energy wells and rugged surface.

Chemical Physics Letters

PHB membranes showed a more rugged surface than those of copolymers (0 22%HV).

Polymer

Hayabusa2 tried to collect material from the rugged surface of the asteroid with a device called a sampler horn.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The natural light coming in through the large restored windows of the Hôtel Salé hits the rugged surfaces of Picasso's paintings beautifully.

The Guardian - Arts

The increased area of the rugged surfaces of the heterostructures and the relatively small bandgap of the ZFO crystallites explain the superior PEC performance of the heterostructures compared with the PEC performance of pure ZnO.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The peaks have rugged surfaces with the spectral features similar to those of Montes Jura, except for the peaks at (-2570) m with a spectral feature similar to the surrounding mare basalt.

Earth, Planets and Space

These structures resemble large, flat-topped mesas with rugged surfaces.

Wikipedia

The rugged surfaces of bones may have supported blood vessels, which could transfer carbon dioxide to the bones to neutralize acidic buildup in the blood (early semiaquatic tetrapods would have had difficulty expelling carbon dioxide from their bodies while on land, and these dermal bones may have been an early solution to the problem).

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape or natural environment, use "rugged surface" to convey a sense of untamed, challenging terrain. For example, "The hike across the "rugged surface" was both demanding and breathtaking."

Common error

Avoid using "rugged surface" to describe things that should ideally be smooth or refined. For example, it's generally inappropriate to describe a well-maintained road or a polished piece of furniture as having a "rugged surface".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rugged surface" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "rugged" modifies the noun "surface", indicating a particular quality of the surface being described. Ludwig AI confirms its descriptive role through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rugged surface" is a descriptive phrase used to portray the uneven and rough qualities of a surface, often in contexts related to science, news and media, and encyclopedias. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its adaptable register. While not highly frequent, its descriptive power makes it a valuable term for accurately depicting physical characteristics. Related phrases include "rough terrain" and "uneven texture", providing alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When writing, remember to use the term in appropriate contexts, avoiding its application to surfaces that are expected to be smooth. The usage, as Ludwig AI confirms, aims to provide vivid description using common language constructs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough terrain

Focuses on the unevenness of a land area, typically emphasizing natural landscapes.

uneven texture

Highlights the lack of uniformity in the feel or appearance of a material.

rough finish

Specifically describes the non-smooth quality of a manufactured or treated surface.

irregular surface

Emphasizes the lack of a consistent pattern or form on the surface.

jagged exterior

Implies sharp, protruding points and a generally harsh outer layer.

coarse texture

Refers to a surface that feels granular or rough to the touch.

craggy face

Describes a surface full of rough, sharp projections, often used for rock formations or cliffs.

bumpy surface

Highlights the presence of raised areas or protrusions, creating an uneven feel.

textured surface

General term indicating the presence of a distinct pattern or feel, not necessarily negative.

broken ground

Refers to land that has been disrupted or disturbed, resulting in an uneven surface.

FAQs

How can I use "rugged surface" in a sentence?

You can use "rugged surface" to describe terrain, materials, or objects with a rough or uneven texture. For example: "The spacecraft landed on the asteroid's "rugged surface"." Or "The artist preferred the "rugged surface" of handmade paper."

What's a good alternative to "rugged surface" when describing terrain?

For describing terrain, alternatives like "rough terrain" or "uneven ground" can often be used interchangeably with "rugged surface".

Is "rugged surface" suitable for describing skin texture?

While "rugged surface" primarily describes physical landscapes or materials, it's less common for skin. You might consider alternatives like "coarse texture" or "uneven skin tone" for skin descriptions.

What does "rugged surface" imply about the object being described?

A "rugged surface" suggests that the object is not smooth or refined; it has a rough, uneven, and possibly challenging nature. The implication can be either positive, suggesting resilience and natural beauty, or negative, highlighting difficulty or discomfort.