very roughly

USAGE SUMMARY

"very roughly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that an estimate or calculation you are providing is not precise. For example, "I estimate the project will take somewhere around six months, give or take a few weeks - very roughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was done very roughly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Leave to cool and chop very roughly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, we maybe sort of very roughly if you want.

Columbia University

That is very roughly where China stands today**.

The Economist

"The people here, they speak very roughly," Mr. Barbosa said.

The New York Times - Travel

Very roughly, half of all marriages end in divorce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The government spends very roughly $2.3 trillion a year.

The New York Times

Very roughly, see if I can do these numbers off the top of my head.

Columbia University

at " ", 115 " " Bark of first tree very roughly broken, 4 1/2 inches thick.

University of California, Berkeley

It looked very roughly like a hand with crooked and spread fingers.

The New Yorker

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

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very roughly" when you need to provide an estimate or approximation but don't want to commit to a precise number.

Common error

Avoid using "very roughly" if a more precise figure is readily available or required for accuracy. Choose a more precise expression or calculation if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very roughly" functions as an adverbial modifier, providing information about the degree of precision in a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It modifies verbs or entire clauses to indicate an approximation, as demonstrated by the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very roughly" serves as a valuable adverbial modifier, offering a way to express estimates and approximations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, notably in news, academia and science. While "very roughly" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "approximately" in certain settings. Remember to use "very roughly" when precision isn't critical and to signal a degree of uncertainty. The examples show that it is a versatile phrase. Given its frequent use across diverse sources, mastering the proper application of "very roughly" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about

Simpler and shorter way to express approximation.

around

Another simple and short alternative.

approximately

Single word substitute, more concise.

more or less

Indicates a slight variation around an estimate.

nearly

Indicates closeness to a specific value.

in round figures

Idiomatic expression for approximate numbers.

give or take

Suggests a possible range around a central value.

in the ballpark

Informal idiom indicating a reasonable estimate.

virtually

Implies almost complete accuracy, close to the real value.

to a great extent

Indicates a general degree, not necessarily numerical.

FAQs

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

You can use "very roughly" when providing an approximation or estimate. For example, "Very roughly, the project will cost around $10,000".

What are some alternatives to saying "very roughly"?

Alternatives to "very roughly" include "approximately", "about", or "around". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "very roughly" in formal writing?

While "very roughly" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "approximately" or "in round figures" may be preferred in formal contexts.

What is the difference between "very roughly" and "roughly"?

The addition of "very" emphasizes the approximation. While both are similar, "very roughly" suggests a less precise estimate than just "roughly".