a rough figure vs rough figures

Both 'a rough figure' and 'rough figures' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A rough figure' is used when referring to a single approximate number, while 'rough figures' is used when talking about multiple approximate numbers.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 3991 views

a rough figure

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to a single approximate number or amount. It implies that the number given is not exact but is a rough estimate.

Examples:

Can you give me a rough figure of how much the project will cost?
I don't have the exact number, but I can provide a rough figure.

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Can the Commission put a rough figure on the economic damage done so far by such attacks?
Let me perhaps give you a few very rough figures once again: we estimate the need at EUR 5.5 billion and, overall, 3.3 billion of that will come from the external action heading.
The only data that the Commission presents in this proposal for a regulation establishing an emergency measure for scrapping fishing vessels are just rough figures.
But these are only very rough figures, naturally it depends on the type of housing unit, its size, location and the particular problems that it presents.
The absolute frequencies observed (rough figures) were normalised with respect to the mean of the number of characters per sample, calculated on all samples.
These estimations are therefore rough ballpark figures and should not be regarded as firm amounts.
Yes, I did some rough calculations to figure the amount you've been skimming from the take since we first began this arrangement.
The figures given here serve as a rough indicator only.
Without drawing any conclusions beyond a rough approximation, therefore, the figure of €750 m quoted for Bohunice can be considered fairly realistic.
The figures for administration (heading 5) agreed in Copenhagen are only based on a rough estimate of the possible needs by the Commission and therefore require further evaluation by Parliament and also by the other institutions.
He concentrates on tight groups of figures within blocks representing a single general subject: something which creates a link between historical-symbolical quotient and a rough expressiveness, and which is translated into numerous unitary plastic solutions.
[3] Loftness actually says six cents. I have changed the figure to ten cents as a rough correction for inflation.
To help me visualise the whole figure, I did a rough sketch on a scrap of paper and I collected some small stones from the road outside.
They are located in the form of a rough arch. In an average part five brightest stars form a figure which is bearing a faint resemblance to a vessel from which water follows.
Eyewitnesses only gave a rough description.
Sort of a rough country boy.
Heard you had a rough morning.
He's had a rough day.
Heard you had a rough trip.
My colleague had a rough night.

Alternatives:

an approximate number
an estimated amount
a ballpark figure
a rough estimate
a close approximation

rough figures

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when talking about multiple approximate numbers or amounts. It indicates that the numbers provided are not exact but are rough estimates.