In outlines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In outlines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the structure or main points of a document, presentation, or plan. Example: "In outlines, we can clearly see the main arguments and supporting details of the essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In a consciously na? style, he depicted village scenes, animals and deities, especially the goddess Oshun, filling in outlines and borders with jewel-colored patterns based on traditional textiles.

The New York Times

The M and E were there, but only in outlines.

The New York Times

Mr. Nice completed roughly half his opening statement today, in outlines of the wars in Croatia and Bosnia.

The New York Times

Photography means "writing with light", but light isn't necessarily literate, and it doesn't pencil in outlines or confirm the solidity and separateness of forms.

The Guardian - Arts

I read it bullet by bullet, feeling disoriented, despite the orderly indents and the nesting of what, in outlines, are called "children".

The New Yorker

For the plotlines and characters that did win Walt Disney's approval, an entire inking department filled in outlines on "cleanup animation" sheets marked with tiny instructions.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In outline, anyway.

The New York Times

In outline they resemble terrestrial river systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Outline writing becomes talking," she explains.

The Guardian - Books

Straightforward in outline, that is – not in design.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the choreography cannot be rendered in outline.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in outlines" to introduce a summary or simplified version of a complex topic. This helps the audience grasp the main points quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "in outlines" when you're providing detailed, in-depth analysis. This phrase signals a high-level overview, not an exhaustive examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in outlines" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It indicates the manner in which something is presented or described, suggesting a summarized or schematic representation. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in outlines" serves as a prepositional phrase to introduce a summarized or schematic representation of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in diverse writing scenarios. Its primary function is to provide a high-level overview, making it suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When aiming for clarity and conciseness, "in outlines" is a valuable tool to highlight essential points efficiently, as the examples from Ludwig show. This helps the audience grasp main ideas without getting lost in excessive details. Alternatives like "in summary" or "in brief" can be used to similar effect, depending on the precise nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in summary

Focuses on presenting a condensed version of information, similar to highlighting outlines.

in brief

Emphasizes conciseness, akin to presenting just the key points as an outline would.

in essence

Captures the core or fundamental nature, much like an outline captures the basic structure.

in a nutshell

Offers a highly condensed version, analogous to fitting the main points within an outline.

in broad strokes

Suggests a general overview, similar to how an outline sketches out main elements.

in general terms

Describes something without specific details, as an outline avoids detailed elaboration.

schematically

Implies a simplified or diagrammatic representation, like an outline.

in its basic form

Highlights the fundamental structure, which parallels the function of an outline.

in its bare bones

Presents only the essential elements, much like an outline provides the basic framework.

in abstract

Focuses on the conceptual aspects, aligning with the way outlines present a simplified view.

FAQs

How can I use "in outlines" in a sentence?

You can use "in outlines" to introduce a summary or general overview of a topic, like: "In outlines, the report covers the key financial metrics for the quarter".

What's a good alternative to "in outlines"?

Alternatives include "in summary", "in brief", or "in essence", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in outline" or "in outlines"?

"In outline" and "in outlines" can both be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "In outline" generally refers to the overall structure or form, while "in outlines" suggests a presentation of key points or summarized information.

What does "in outlines" imply about the level of detail?

"In outlines" suggests that the information provided is a simplified or condensed version, focusing on the main aspects rather than going into intricate details. It is similar to saying "in broad strokes".