a broad outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad outline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a general overview or summary of a topic without going into detailed specifics. Example: "In this presentation, I will provide a broad outline of our project goals and objectives for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only a broad outline has been sketched.

The New York Times

I am giving only a broad outline of the meaning.

Yale University

Richardson interweaves a broad outline of Pirsig's troubled and fascinating biography.

The New York Times - Books

Last month, Mr. Bush sent Congress a broad outline of his education proposal.

The New York Times

It's difficult to find even a broad outline of the direction of travel".

The New Yorker

Mr. Thomas could provide only a broad outline of his plans for his new job.

The New York Times

A broad outline helps to clarify the main episodes of a complicated process.

Britannica

Prosecutors seem to be providing jurors a broad outline of Manafort's work in Ukraine.

The Washington Post

Another official said the information released next week would be more like a "broad" outline.

The New York Times

Only a broad outline of the principal methods can be given here.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The plan as it stands gives a broad outline of MIT's goals.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad outline", ensure that the main points are clear and well-defined, even if the specifics are not fully fleshed out. This helps the audience grasp the overall concept.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad outline" when detailed information is required. If the context demands specific figures, timelines, or procedures, a more thorough presentation is necessary. Don't mislead your audience into thinking specifics are present when they're not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad outline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., provide a broad outline) or as a complement to a preposition (e.g., in a broad outline). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad outline" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a general overview or summary of a topic or plan. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and commonly used across various contexts. It is particularly frequent in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, remember it implies a lack of detail and should be used when specifics are not required or are to be presented later. Alternatives include "a general overview" and "a rough sketch".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general overview

Focuses on providing an overview but may not necessarily imply a plan or structure.

a rough sketch

Emphasizes the preliminary and somewhat imprecise nature of the description.

a basic framework

Highlights the structural aspect, suggesting a foundational arrangement of ideas.

a preliminary draft

Suggests an early version that is subject to change and further development.

a simplified version

Implies the removal of complexities to make something easier to understand.

a high-level summary

Indicates a summary that avoids detailed information, concentrating on main points.

a conceptual framework

Highlights the theoretical and abstract nature of the outline.

a skeletal structure

Draws an analogy to a skeleton, implying only the essential components are present.

a strategic overview

Focuses on the strategic elements and overall goals, rather than the specifics.

a thumbnail sketch

Emphasizes brevity and conciseness, like a very small drawing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad outline" to describe a general plan or summary, such as: "The presentation provided "a broad outline" of the project's goals" or "He gave us "a broad outline" of the book's plot".

What are some alternatives to saying "a broad outline"?

Alternatives include "a general overview", "a rough sketch", or "a basic framework". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "a broad outline" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when introducing a topic or summarizing key points. It sets the stage without delving into excessive detail, which is often appropriate for formal contexts.

What's the difference between "a broad outline" and "a detailed plan"?

"A broad outline" presents the main points and structure, while "a detailed plan" includes specific information, timelines, and procedures. The former is general, the latter is comprehensive.