To outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To outline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a summary or a structured overview of a topic or idea. Example: "To outline the main points of the presentation, we will focus on the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To outline my argument, here's a quick history lesson.

The Guardian - Music

To outline long-term histologic features of endometrial ablation.

The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists

To outline educational strategies.

BMJ Open

To outline the algorithm, we do the following.

BioMed Research International

To outline our algorithm, we need the following definitions.

Bioinformatics

The goals are easy to outline.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is what this paper sets out to outline.

The Guardian

Labour needs to outline its strategy for the deficit.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I am not going to outline more specifics".

The Guardian

The ridges were rectilinear and seemed to outline doorways.

The New Yorker

Mr. Putin has yet to outline a detailed economic program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To outline" at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph to clearly signal that you are about to provide a summary or structured overview. This helps readers understand the purpose of the following information.

Common error

Avoid using "To outline" repeatedly within a short span of text. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "to summarize", "to delineate", or "to provide an overview".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to outline" is that of an infinitive phrase used to express purpose or intention. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and frequently used, primarily serving to introduce a summarized explanation of a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to outline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that functions to introduce a summary or structured overview. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "to summarize" or "to delineate" can enhance clarity and avoid repetition. When using the phrase "to outline" ensure that the content following presents a structured and concise overview of the intended topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To summarize

This alternative is more direct and concise, focusing purely on condensing information.

To give an overview

This alternative focuses on providing a general understanding of the topic.

To delineate

This alternative suggests a more precise and detailed description, emphasizing boundaries and distinctions.

To present a summary

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of presenting information.

To sketch out

This alternative implies a preliminary and less detailed overview.

To lay out

This alternative conveys a sense of planning and organization in the presentation of information.

To run through

This alternative suggests a quick and informal review.

To provide the highlights

This alternative focuses on the most important or interesting aspects.

To recap

This alternative suggests a brief review of previously mentioned information.

To detail

This alternative emphasizes a more thorough and comprehensive presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "To outline" in a sentence?

You can use "To outline" to introduce a summary or a structured overview of a topic. For example, "To outline the project's objectives, we will discuss the goals, methodology, and expected outcomes."

What can I say instead of "To outline"?

You can use alternatives like "to summarize", "to delineate", or "to provide an overview" depending on the context.

When should I use "To outline" instead of "To detail"?

"To outline" is used when you want to give a summary of something, while "to detail" is used when you want to provide comprehensive information about something. Therefore, you would use "To outline" if you want to give a quick summary, and you would use "to detail" if you want to give a thorough explanation.

Is "To outline" formal or informal?

"To outline" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer using a more sophisticated synonym such as "to delineate" or "to enumerate".