"roughly speaking" versus "roughly spoken"

[Jaakov]

Dear all:

In sciences one has to write sentences similar to the following ones
(where X and Y are some nominal phrases):

- One can view X, roughly speaking, as an abstraction of Y.
- One can view X, roughly spoken, as an abstraction of Y.

What is the difference? Does one alternative sound better than another one?

And, by the way, is it possible to substitute "roughly speaking" or
"roughly spoken" by the following phrases:
- cursory speaking,
- cursory spoken,
- simply put,
- to put it simply?

Thanks in advance,

Jaakov.

[Mark]

Jaakov, I was just searching the web for certitude about about this (I'm a native English speaker helping a German writer). Anyway for this native English speaker "roughly spoken" is strange, it catches the eye immediately. It sounds possible, but not quite right. It sounds as if it is commenting on the tone of what is being said, rather than on its veracity.

"Roughly spoken, 'thank you' is no longer 'thank you.'"
"Roughly speaking, 'thank you' will solve a lot of problems.'"

"Roughly speaking" is the common phrase, and I would suggest using it. The verb form is present continuous; one is in the act of "speaking roughly," that is, without exact precision, about a certain matter. It's a useful phrase in the sciences when a connection is being made, but it is not exact one.

- cursory speaking: No. "Cursory" is the adjective; "cursory speaking" is hasty, rushed, drive-by speaking; it describes the *quality* of the speech itself. "Cursorily" is the adverb, more describing the quantity of the speech: few words. Possible, but it sounds a little funny.

- cursory spoken: No.

- simply put, to put it simply:

Both of these are more about summing up an argument.

"Simply put, English is confusing, but easier than German."
"To put it simply, I am lazy."

Hope this helps!

Mark

Post by Jaakov
In sciences one has to write sentences similar to the following ones
- One can view X, roughly speaking, as an abstraction of Y.
- One can view X, roughly spoken, as an abstraction of Y.
What is the difference? Does one alternative sound better than another one?
And, by the way, is it possible to substitute "roughly speaking" or
- cursory speaking,
- cursory spoken,
- simply put,
- to put it simply?
Thanks in advance,
Jaakov.

[Jaakov]

To put it simply, thank you, Mark!

Jaakov.

[Mark]

Post by Jaakov
To put it simply, thank you, Mark!
Jaakov.

Ha! Brevity is the soul of wit....and yer welcome...