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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a sketchy outline of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a sketchy outline of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a vague or incomplete representation of something, often in a conceptual or planning context. Example: "The report provided a sketchy outline of the project's objectives, leaving many details to be clarified later."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(15)
a preliminary overview of
a brief summary of
a simplified account of
a broad overview of
a concise outline of
a rough decomposition of
a general overview of
a crude reflection of
a simplified version of
a faint echo of
a poor imitation of
a rudimentary list of
a comprehensive list of
a basic list of
a simple list of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Wolfe himself sees the trappings of science fiction and fantasy, the spaceships and so on, as simply "a sketchy outline of the things that can be done".
News & Media
What is more, Baricco's retelling is extremely short – only 55 pages – which only allows for a sketchy outline of the story and characters.
News & Media
Although it is still too early in the publishing season for anyone to know the Gunnar Szolky story in full, the writer has gleaned enough to give us a sketchy outline of the extraordinary dimensions of the Szolky saga.
News & Media
It would be followed by a second stage for Iran to begin accepting a series of curbs on its nuclear activities that would be matched by a step-by-step easing of Western sanctions, in particular the embargo on Iran's oil and gas exports and financial measures that have hit its trade with the rest of the world.As yet only a sketchy outline of the Iranian proposal is in the public domain.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Today, as publishers eschew the finished manuscript and spit out contracts based on a sketchy outline or even less, the scripting of rejection letters has become something of a lost art.
News & Media
It's a sketchy outline at best.
News & Media
However, except for a sketchy outline, little is known about how the cells interpret signaling cues from their surroundings and selectively regulate genes in a temporal-spatially specific manner.
Science
Here, although our sympathies lie with Dawson ― who does her best with the sketchy outline of a character ― it's Heigl's Tessa who walks away with the movie.
News & Media
But those and many other protections were missing from the sketchy outline of the tribunals proposed in the president's order.
News & Media
Whoever heard of a punk singer lilting: "Jesus, help me find my proper place?" What did it mean to "put jelly on your shoulder?" In Lou Reed's refusal to be categorisable, I saw the sketchy outlines of a way of being that might actually work for me.
News & Media
Americans knew only sketchy outlines of Dwight D. Eisenhower's heart problems, compared with what they would know today.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "a sketchy outline of" when you want to convey that the information you have is incomplete or lacks detail. It's suitable when presenting preliminary ideas or initial stages of a project.
Common error
Avoid using "a sketchy outline of" when you actually have a comprehensive plan or detailed information. This phrase implies a lack of completeness, so ensure it accurately reflects the state of your knowledge.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a sketchy outline of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a direct object or a complement. Ludwig AI indicates it's usable to describe incomplete representations.
Frequent in
News & Media
57%
Science
29%
Wiki
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a sketchy outline of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that is preliminary, incomplete, or lacks detail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Though not extremely frequent, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While "a sketchy outline of" may not be appropriate for formal writing, it is useful in setting expectations for a lack of completeness in information. Similar phrases include "a rough draft of" or "a preliminary sketch of". Always ensure it accurately reflects the state of your knowledge to avoid misrepresentation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a rough draft of
Focuses on the initial stage and incompleteness of a written piece.
a preliminary sketch of
Highlights the early and undeveloped nature of a design or plan.
a basic framework for
Emphasizes the underlying structure rather than comprehensive details.
a bare bones description of
Underscores the lack of detail and essential elements.
a rudimentary plan for
Suggests a very basic and underdeveloped level of planning.
an incomplete version of
Highlights the unfinished state and the expectation of further development.
a simplified account of
Indicates that complexities have been removed for easier understanding.
a broad overview of
Stresses the general nature and lack of specific details.
a hazy idea about
Conveys a sense of vagueness and lack of clarity.
an initial concept for
Focuses on the beginning stage and the potential for future elaboration.
FAQs
How can I use "a sketchy outline of" in a sentence?
You can use "a sketchy outline of" to describe something that is not fully developed or lacks details. For example, "The presentation provided "a sketchy outline of" the proposed project, but many details were missing."
What phrases are similar to "a sketchy outline of"?
Similar phrases include "a rough draft of", "a preliminary sketch of", or "a basic framework for", depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "a sketchy outline of" in formal writing?
While acceptable, "a sketchy outline of" might be better suited for less formal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "a preliminary overview of" or "a brief summary of".
What's the difference between "a sketchy outline of" and "a detailed plan of"?
"A sketchy outline of" implies a lack of detail and completeness, while "a detailed plan of" suggests a comprehensive and thorough description. They are essentially opposites in terms of information depth.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested