about the outlines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the outlines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing general information or details regarding the outlines of a topic, plan, or concept. Example: "In our meeting, we will talk about the outlines of the new project proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Third, start thinking about the outlines of a regional peace conference – it can never be too soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

The next day, Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Systrom, who is also Instagram's chief executive, talked about the outlines of a deal.

The New York Times

India has expressed concern about the outlines of the reintegration policy promoted by the Karzai government and supported by the United States.

The Guardian

She declined, however, to go into any detail about the outlines of the deal on missile defense taking shape in advance of Mr. Putin's arrival here in a little over two weeks.

The New York Times

With only a few top advisers involved, the news that they were nearing an accord broke only after administration officials told Democratic Congressional leaders on Wednesday night about the outlines of the Obama-Boehner discussion, following talks earlier in the day between the president, Mr. Boehner and Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia, the No. 2 House Republican.

The New York Times

On the occasion of the Darwin bicentennial (and the sesquicentennial of the Origin of Species), we might find some newfound confidence about the outlines of the evolution of morality, echoing Darwin's concerns yet also updated with modern research.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Everybody wants big, dramatic buildings it's all about the outline, the façade".

Vice

We talk about the outline so we know what we're doing, and then we swap five or six page sequences and hope the other guy likes it.

Los Angeles Times

During the meeting Wednesday in the office of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), who had arranged the sit-down, an FAA official told local representatives he had no immediate concerns about the outlined terms, which officials from both Burbank and the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority endorsed last month, Burbank Mayor Bob Frutos said.

Los Angeles Times

Following a group discussion about the outline of the paper, SJS created the first draft of the manuscript, HMLD and CvM revised the draft and, thereafter, each author interactively participated in critically revising the content up to the final, submitted version.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It is the latest effort at brokering a deal with militants before the last of 33,000 American "surge" troops prepare to pull out of Afghanistan by September, and comes as early hopes in the White House about having the outlines of a deal in time for a multinational conference Dec. 5 in Bonn, Germany, have been all but abandoned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about the outlines", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the outlines refer to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "about the outlines" without a clear referent. For instance, saying "We need to discuss about the outlines" is vague. Instead, specify: "We need to discuss about the outlines of the project proposal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the outlines" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a discussion or explanation of the main points or structure of a topic. It is used to indicate a focus on the general structure rather than specific details, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about the outlines" serves as a prepositional phrase used to introduce discussions regarding the main structure or key points of a topic. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig, but its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly appearing in news, science, and wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal discussions. To ensure clarity, specify the outlines' referent to avoid vagueness. When seeking alternatives, consider "regarding the blueprint" or "concerning the framework", depending on context. As confirmed by Ludwig, "about the outlines" is a valid and functional phrase when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the blueprint

Replaces 'outlines' with 'blueprint', implying a more detailed plan, and uses 'regarding' instead of 'about'.

concerning the framework

Substitutes 'outlines' with 'framework', suggesting a structural overview, and uses 'concerning' instead of 'about'.

pertaining to the structure

Replaces 'outlines' with 'structure', focusing on the arrangement, and uses 'pertaining to' instead of 'about'.

related to the general plan

Uses 'general plan' instead of 'outlines', highlighting the overall scheme, and replaces 'about' with 'related to'.

with respect to the sketch

Replaces 'outlines' with 'sketch', indicating a preliminary drawing, and uses 'with respect to' instead of 'about'.

concerning the shape

Focuses on the form rather than the plan, swapping 'outlines' with 'shape', and 'about' with 'concerning'.

regarding the design

Swaps 'outlines' for 'design', which relates to visual planning, while maintaining the meaning with the alternative 'regarding'.

in relation to the layout

Highlights the arrangement of elements, changing 'outlines' to 'layout' and 'about' to 'in relation to'.

relative to the draft

Replaces 'outlines' with 'draft', indicating a preliminary version, and uses 'relative to' instead of 'about'.

in connection with the fundamentals

Highlights basic principles, replacing 'outlines' with 'fundamentals', and substitutes 'about' with 'in connection with'.

FAQs

How can I use "about the outlines" in a sentence?

You can use "about the outlines" to introduce a discussion of general details, such as: "Let's talk about the outlines of the marketing strategy."

What can I say instead of "about the outlines"?

Alternatives include "regarding the blueprint", "concerning the framework", or "related to the general plan" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "about the outlines"?

It's appropriate when introducing or discussing the basic structure or plan of something, rather than getting into specific details.

Is there a more formal way to say "about the outlines"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "pertaining to the structure" or "with respect to the sketch" in more formal settings.