a basic outline of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic outline of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a simplified or general structure of a topic or plan. Example: "In this report, I will provide a basic outline of our marketing strategy for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He'd compiled a basic outline of questions he wished to ask, but his main goal was to remain fluid, adaptive and attentive to Washington's testimony.

The New Yorker

-Write a basic outline of their presentation, focusing on making and defending recommendations on what should be done next (preservation, restoration, etc).

The New York Times

After the shooting, the Park Police provided a basic outline of events, and their detectives handled the investigation for three days, before asking the FBI to take over.

The Washington Post

It's a basic outline of a mountain, and there's a swallow near it, and it looks like someone shoved a marker pen into Blue Ivy's hand and said "Draw".

The Guardian - Opinion

"That means that some combination of tax increases and spending cuts totaling about 2percentt of GDP per year would be needed to keep debt from rising as a share of GDP". To help event attendees understand proposed reforms, Poterba provided a basic outline of the current tax system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Register for your free online account and start using Individual Consultations! Individual Writing Consultations are appointments with Graduate Writing Consultants who meet with you in person or online to discuss a writing project you are currently working on, whether you have a polished draft or only a basic outline of notes.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Create a basic outline on a sheet of paper.

WikiHow

Make a very basic outline of the words.

WikiHow

Make yourself a very basic outline of the house during the time when your kids are scavenging the house for the clues, making sure all notes have been properly found.

WikiHow

Lyse Doucet says all sides are hoping to reach an agreement on the basic outline of a final nuclear deal, although there are "gaps remaining on key issues".

BBC

Make it look like a disc so you could remember the basic outline of a daisy flower whenever you draw one.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining complex topics, start with "a basic outline of" to provide context before presenting more in-depth information.

Common error

Avoid including too much detail when presenting "a basic outline of". The purpose is to provide a general understanding, not a comprehensive analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic outline of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce a simplified or general structure. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe a simplified or general structure of a topic or plan.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic outline of" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to introduce a simplified or general structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. The phrase serves the purpose of providing an overview or summarizing key elements without excessive detail. When using "a basic outline of", remember to present a general understanding, avoiding overwhelming the audience with granular information. Alternatives include "a general overview of" and "a rough sketch of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general overview of

Focuses on providing a summary of the main points, omitting detailed information.

a rough sketch of

Suggests a preliminary and less detailed representation.

a simple framework for

Emphasizes the structural aspect and simplicity of the plan.

a preliminary draft of

Indicates an early version that is subject to change.

a skeletal structure of

Implies a bare-bones structure highlighting essential components.

a fundamental layout of

Refers to the arrangement and design of something in its basic form.

a rudimentary plan for

Highlights the basic and undeveloped nature of the plan.

a concise summary of

Focuses on brevity and the main ideas.

a streamlined version of

Implies efficiency and simplicity in presentation.

an abridged form of

Suggests a shortened version, often omitting details.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic outline of" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic outline of" to introduce a simplified structure or plan. For example, "This presentation will provide "a basic outline of" the project's timeline and key milestones".

What phrases are similar to "a basic outline of"?

Alternatives include "a general overview of", "a rough sketch of", or "a simple framework for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a basic outline of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a basic outline of" is suitable for formal writing when you need to present a simplified structure or plan without extensive details. It's commonly used in academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a basic outline of" and "a detailed analysis of"?

"A basic outline of" provides a high-level overview, while "a detailed analysis of" involves an in-depth examination of all aspects. Use "a basic outline of" when you want to present the main points without getting into specifics.