Do you want to know how to talk about the first iteration of an assignment or project?
Perhaps you’re thinking of using “rough draft,” but you’re worried it’s informal and unprofessional.
Don’t worry, though! This article is here to help.
We’ll show you how to say “rough draft” in an email and other situations, depending on what you need.
Other Ways to Say “Rough Draft”
- Preliminary version
- First attempt
- Initial copy
- Primary draft
- Early version
- Unfinished draft
- Work in progress
- Preliminary draft
- Raw draft
- Sketch
- Prototype
- Basic draft
- Raw copy
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Rough draft” is correct and acceptable in formal situations when talking about the first copy of something.
- “Preliminary version” is great to use as a professional synonym in most business emails.
- Try “first attempt” if you’d like another word for “rough draft” that works informally.
Keep reading to learn a different way to say “rough draft.” We’ve explained more about the best formal and informal alternatives to give you a better idea of how they work.
You can also read the final section to learn whether “rough draft” is correct. Then, you’ll know if it’s something to include in your writing or whether you should explore other options.
Preliminary Version (Formal)
You can start with “preliminary version” as a professional way to say “rough draft.” It works really well in most business emails, as it sets the standard for what you expect from someone.
You can use this when contacting an employee. It’s a good chance to let them know that you’d like an early copy of something handed in as soon as possible.
Of course, this usually means you’re trying to rush an employee. But only asking for a preliminary version means you don’t expect everything to be perfect straight away.
It gives your employees some wiggle room to get things right.
So, this email sample should help you to understand a bit more about it:
Dear Shaun,
I’m going to need the preliminary version handed in by Monday.
Please ensure you’ve ticked most of the primary boxes so I know you’re following the list.
Best wishes,
Sandy Depth
You can also use it when asking for feedback from your boss. It’s a good chance to find out what they think of your rough draft and whether there’s anything you can change.
Check out this email example if you still need to learn more about it:
Dear Miss Whitehall,
I’ve attached the preliminary version of this assignment.
Please let me know if there’s anything glaring that I need to change.
Yours,
Benjamin Dickinson
First Attempt (Informal)
Another way to say “rough draft” is “first attempt.” This is a better option if you’re looking for something more informal and conversational.
Of course, this synonym still works in an email. But it’s best to use it when you have a good relationship with the recipient.
After all, it shows that you’re sharing the first copy of something. Try it when emailing a coworker. You might be running it by them to get their opinion.
This example should also clear things up:
Hey Brian,
This is my first attempt at the project we’re working on.
Do you have anything to add that might help to make it better?
All the best,
Chloe Shaw
There are plenty of other situations where you can use this phrase, too. For instance, you can include it when texting an employee. It’s more informal, so it fits messages well.
This message sample should also help you to understand this a bit better:
Have you completed the first attempt yet? I’m keen to find out what you think of the assignment overall.
Is It Correct to Say “Rough Draft”?
It is correct to say “rough draft.” The phrase is good to use in professional writing when you’ve only provided someone with the first idea and nothing more than that.
Generally, an outline is the same as a rough draft. It allows you to lay the foundations of something without going into too much detail.
Here’s an example showing you how to use “rough draft” in a sentence:
Dear Harry,
I’d like the rough draft on my desk by the end of the day.
Do you think you’re going to be able to manage that?
Best wishes,
Suzanna Bradley
Technically, a rough draft can be a section of an essay or the whole essay. Basically, as long as it’s only the first iteration and things need to be edited, you can consider it a rough draft.
Also, in the age of technology, a manuscript (i.e., a paper written by hand) is often considered a rough draft. This is because it’s more common for people to type their papers up these days.
Finally, ensure you don’t shorten the phrase to one word. This is a common mistake, but it’s never correct.
For example:
- Correct: Check out my rough draft!
- Incorrect: This is a roughdraft.
Before you go, you should bookmark this page. Then, you can come back whenever you might need to review some of the best synonyms for “rough draft.”