I was outlining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was outlining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of creating a general description or plan of something, often in a past context. Example: "I was outlining the main points of my presentation when I realized I needed more research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was outlining some of the BMWs I'd gone through.

The New York Times

They certainly weren't related to the facts I was outlining; this was my first session, after all, an opportunity to introduce myself before I introduced my problems.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But, as you listen to what I am outlining, let me stress: this is not an expansionist BBC.

The Guardian

That's why today I am outlining immediate steps we can take to shore up the housing and credit markets, restore confidence in our regulatory infrastructure, and keep millions of families in their homes.

The New York Times

And we will pursue the housing plan I am outlining today.

Forbes

But I guess, the first step in the direction that I am outlining here is an attitudinal change.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Returning to Michelle Obama and the scenario that I am outlining, her strongest argument will be the continuation of her husband's legacy.

Huffington Post

Another one of things I will be outlining is ways in which we can make more finance available for businesses".

Independent

I will be outlining plans in the New Year for making RBS the bank that our customers and the UK need it to be.

The Guardian - Business

"I will be outlining the way forward to a special conference of Plaid Cymru members shortly where we will have an opportunity to discuss this further".

The Guardian

In the next 30 minutes, I will be outlining the four must do strategies for FTA broadcasters from my point of view.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was outlining", ensure the context provides clarity on what you were outlining. Be specific about the subject matter to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was outlining" without providing sufficient detail about the outline itself. Replace it with more descriptive verbs to give the reader a better understanding of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was outlining" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. The verb "outlining" is a transitive verb that typically requires a direct object to specify what was being outlined. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was outlining" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the action of creating a plan or description. According to Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news media and science. For alternatives, consider using "I was sketching" or "I was drafting" for similar meanings. Ensure to provide context about what you were outlining to maintain clarity. Overall, "I was outlining" is a versatile phrase for describing past actions of planning and preparation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was sketching

Replaces 'outlining' with 'sketching', implying a rougher, less detailed description.

I was drafting

Uses 'drafting' instead of 'outlining', suggesting the creation of a preliminary version.

I was planning

Substitutes 'outlining' with 'planning', focusing on the preparatory stages.

I was detailing

Replaces 'outlining' with 'detailing', emphasizing a more thorough and comprehensive explanation.

I was summarizing

Uses 'summarizing' in place of 'outlining', pointing to a concise overview.

I was mapping out

Replaces 'outlining' with 'mapping out', which suggests a more visual and strategic approach.

I was structuring

Substitutes 'outlining' with 'structuring', highlighting the arrangement and organization of elements.

I was formulating

Replaces 'outlining' with 'formulating', emphasizing the development of a systematic plan or method.

I was delineating

Uses 'delineating' instead of 'outlining', suggesting a clear and precise description.

I was charting

Substitutes 'outlining' with 'charting', which implies creating a visual representation or record.

FAQs

How can I use "I was outlining" in a sentence?

You can use "I was outlining" to describe the act of creating a plan or description. For example, "I was outlining the project's objectives before the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "I was outlining"?

You can use alternatives like "I was sketching", "I was drafting", or "I was planning" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was outlining"?

Yes, "I was outlining" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to describe the act of creating an outline.

What's the difference between "I was outlining" and "I outlined"?

"I was outlining" implies a continuous or ongoing action in the past, while "I outlined" suggests a completed action. For example, "I was outlining the report when the phone rang" versus "I outlined the report yesterday".