a clear outline of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear outline of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a detailed and organized summary or plan regarding a specific topic or subject. Example: "The report provided a clear outline of the project's objectives and timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Talking Points Memo has a clear outline of today's races.

The New Yorker

It almost doesn't matter, except in the mesmerizing, mural-sized "Beloved (Cairo)"; here, clouds of ink and acrylic part to reveal a clear outline of Tahrir Square.

The New York Times - Arts

We have responded with a clear outline of a better future that protects the founding principles of the NHS and offers a more generous settlement for those in need of social care.

The Guardian

It helps if you have a clear outline of the tasks you are expected to complete on the placement – and don't be afraid to ask for help with them if you need it.

The Guardian

As the clock ticks down to the article 50 deadline, there are real doubts as to whether sufficient time remains to finalise even a withdrawal agreement, let alone a clear outline of a future relationship.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new system aims to provide students with a clear outline of what they need to study to succeed, said Phil Daro, a consultant based in Berkeley, Calif., who is a member of an advisory committee for the effort.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

In summary, this study provides a clearer outline of the disruption of nephrogenesis and reveals new Wnt and related signaling pathway genes, which are highly likely to have crucial roles in WT biology.

Cell Death and Disease

Overall, I think the study would benefit from a clearer description of the relation between MMN findings in humans and animals, a clearer outline of the study purpose, the clarification of some methodological details, re-calculation of the amplitude values, and some stronger focus on significant results (rather than on null-findings).

F1000Research

But whatever happens, a clear outline for how a modern left-of-centre party confronts the challenges of a crisis-ridden wealthy nation has finally been offered.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's worth pointing out that the PHE briefing starts off with a very clear outline of the limitations of their research – perhaps the most important being that it's not possible to establish causal links from most of the studies involved.

The Guardian

One provision of the district proposal calls for a summarized "clear outline" of the contract to be prepared for families and the public.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear outline of" to signal to your audience that you are about to present information in an organized and easily digestible format, which enhances readability and comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear outline of" when the following content is actually complex or confusing. This creates a disconnect and diminishes your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear outline of" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces or precedes a presentation of key elements in an organized and understandable manner. It sets the expectation for structured information. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear outline of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce structured information across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most common in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the information that follows is indeed clear and organized. Alternatives such as "a detailed plan of" or "a structured summary of" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed plan of

Replaces 'outline' with 'plan' implying a more actionable and thorough structure.

a structured summary of

Substitutes 'outline' with 'summary' emphasizing the concise and organized nature of the information.

a comprehensive overview of

Uses 'overview' instead of 'outline' to highlight the broad and inclusive nature of the summary.

a concise framework for

Employs 'framework' to denote a skeletal structure providing support and direction.

a distinct representation of

Changes 'outline' to 'representation' to focus on the portrayal or depiction of information.

an explicit depiction of

Replaces 'outline' with 'depiction' indicating a clear and vivid portrayal.

a well-defined structure for

Replaces "outline" with "structure" highlighting an organized and planned architecture.

a schematic illustration of

Uses 'illustration' to suggest a visual or diagrammatic explanation.

a systematic presentation of

Changes 'outline' to 'presentation' to emphasize an orderly and methodical explanation.

a lucid explanation of

Employs 'explanation' to focus on clarifying and elucidating the topic.

FAQs

What does "a clear outline of" mean?

The phrase "a clear outline of" refers to a structured and easily understandable summary or plan, presenting key elements in an organized manner.

How to use "a clear outline of" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear outline of" to introduce a structured summary or plan. For example: "The report provides "a clear outline of" the proposed changes."

What can I say instead of "a clear outline of"?

You can use alternatives like "a detailed plan of", "a structured summary of", or "a comprehensive overview of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a clear outline of" and "a detailed plan of"?

While both phrases suggest a structured presentation, "a detailed plan of" implies a more actionable and thorough structure, whereas "a clear outline of" focuses on understandability and organization.