somewhat rough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat rough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not smooth or polished, indicating a moderate level of roughness. Example: "The surface of the table was somewhat rough, making it difficult to write on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Still, the companies wanting to grow drugs have found the going somewhat rough.

The New York Times

They are somewhat rough to the touch, and reverberate slightly when stepped on.

The New York Times

Though the new mayor looks somewhat rough, and has a conviction for drink-driving, voters seemed to forgive him because he feels their anger.

The Economist

Writing in the journal Physical Review, the scientists predict a very precise spectral index of 0.96478, which is close to the latest, though somewhat rough, measurement of 0.968.

The Guardian

Even with the somewhat rough beginning to the round of panels, the charms of the Starz casts and crew colored it all beautifully.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Most likely many players in this orchestra, especially the younger ones, were performing "Tristan" for the first time, and the overall sound was somewhat rough.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Early fencing methods as taught by the guilds were somewhat rough-and-tumble and included wrestling moves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Paris shop is designed by the innovative, somewhat rough-around-the-edges Droog Design of Holland (with NL Architects).

The New York Times

Using videos she shot of Basquiat (who died from a drug overdose in 1988) as her creative jumping-off point, Ms. Davis creates a vivid if somewhat rough-edged portrait of an artist who was also a friend.

The New York Times

(I tend to slot mine behind my right ear, carpenter style; I like to think this lends a somewhat rough-and-ready aspect to my appearance as I sit reading "Middlemarch" on the bus home).

The New Yorker

Life below ground may get somewhat rougher, and cooperation may be at a premium.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In analytical writing, employ "somewhat rough" to qualify estimations or approximations, indicating a degree of uncertainty or inexactness.

Common error

While "somewhat rough" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound imprecise. Consider stronger, more specific adjectives or adverbs to convey the degree of roughness more accurately, particularly in technical or formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat rough" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb ("somewhat") modifying an adjective ("rough"). This combination serves to qualify or soften the adjective, indicating a moderate degree of roughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat rough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating a moderate degree of roughness, imprecision, or lack of polish. It functions as an adverb-adjective combination, softening the descriptor "rough". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, from describing textures to qualifying estimations. While useful, writers should consider whether more precise language might be appropriate, especially in formal or technical writing. Common alternatives include "a bit uneven" and "slightly coarse". It occurs more frequently in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit uneven

Indicates a slight lack of smoothness or regularity.

slightly coarse

Suggests a mild degree of coarseness in texture or quality.

moderately unrefined

Implies a limited lack of refinement or polish.

somewhat approximate

Indicates that something is not entirely precise but close enough.

relatively imprecise

Highlights a lack of exactness or accuracy.

rather imperfect

Suggests a notable degree of imperfection.

a little unfinished

Implies that something is not yet complete or fully developed.

fairly unpolished

Highlights a lack of polish or sophistication.

partially crude

Indicates that something is crude to a certain extent.

kind of sketchy

Suggests something is incomplete or questionable.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat rough" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat rough" to describe surfaces, estimates, or conditions that are not entirely smooth or precise. For instance, "The texture of the stone was "somewhat rough"", or "The initial calculations were "somewhat rough" estimates".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat rough"?

Alternatives include "a bit uneven", "slightly coarse", or "moderately unrefined" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "somewhat rough" or "very rough"?

The choice depends on the degree of roughness you want to convey. "Somewhat rough" implies a moderate level of roughness, while "very rough" indicates a higher degree of coarseness. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the situation.

Can "somewhat rough" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "somewhat rough" can describe abstract concepts like estimations or plans. For instance, you might say "The business plan is still in a "somewhat rough" state".