I outlined that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I outlined that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something you have previously explained or summarized in detail. Example: "In my last report, I outlined that the project timeline would need to be adjusted due to unforeseen delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In that sermon, I outlined that Judaism has a strong ethic of self-defense, including being able to have a weapon (Berachot 58a).

Huffington Post

And so in three days, John, Vince and I outlined that story and wrote the draft, and had something to prep.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Regarding 9/11, I outline that sequence of events in "The Black Banners," and it's tragic.

The New Yorker

And this is achievable, there's nothing that I've outlined that cannot happen.

The Guardian

I outline that here.

Huffington Post

First Boston circulated a memo yesterday that outlined that agreement.

The New York Times

Well, we outlined that series together really tightly.

Huffington Post

In a recent article, I outlined the factors that are preventing more thorough analysis of whether climate extremes are being caused by human-induced global warming.

The New York Times

In this book, I outlined cases like that of former Pfc.

Vice

"That's the position that I outlined, it's the position that I stand over.

BBC

We have reached a hopeful moment for progress toward the vision of Middle Eastern peace that I outlined last June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the word 'outlined' with stronger synonyms (such as 'detailed', 'specified', 'explained', etc.) to communicate better the intention and provide more clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I outlined that" if you have not actually provided a prior detailed explanation or summary. If this is the first time you're introducing the information, use a phrase like "I will outline that" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I outlined that" functions as a reporting clause, indicating that the speaker or writer has previously provided a summary or overview of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It connects a past action (outlining) to the information being referenced.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I outlined that" is grammatically correct and functions as a reporting clause, referring back to a previously provided summary or explanation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a usable and correct phrase. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. To avoid misusing the phrase, ensure you actually provided a prior detailed explanation. More precise alternatives, such as "I detailed that" or "I specified that", can enhance clarity. Remember that "I outlined that" refers to something already explained, unlike "I will outline that", which introduces a forthcoming explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I detailed that

Replaces 'outlined' with 'detailed', emphasizing a thorough and comprehensive explanation.

I explained that

Replaces 'outlined' with 'explained', emphasizing the clarification of a concept.

I specified that

Uses 'specified' instead of 'outlined', highlighting a precise and explicit statement.

I described that

Replaces 'outlined' with 'described', focusing on a general account of something.

I delineated that

Replaces 'outlined' with 'delineated', suggesting a clear marking of boundaries or features.

I laid out that

Uses 'laid out' instead of 'outlined', highlighting the methodical arrangement of information.

I indicated that

Substitutes 'outlined' with 'indicated', suggesting a more subtle pointing out of information.

I presented that

Substitutes 'outlined' with 'presented', emphasizing the act of formally introducing information.

I mentioned that

Uses 'mentioned' instead of 'outlined', implying a brief reference rather than a detailed explanation.

I summarized that

Uses 'summarized' instead of 'outlined', focusing on a concise overview.

FAQs

How can I use "I outlined that" in a sentence?

Use "I outlined that" to refer back to something you've previously explained or summarized in detail. For example: "In my previous email, "I outlined that" the project deadline was extended."

What can I say instead of "I outlined that"?

You can use alternatives like "I detailed that", "I specified that", or "I described that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I outlined that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in writing and speech. The phrase "I outlined that" is perfectly fine when you want to reference something that you have already covered in detail.

What's the difference between "I outlined that" and "I will outline that"?

"I outlined that" refers to something you've already explained, while "I will outline that" indicates that you are about to provide an explanation.