an outline of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outline of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about a general summary or overview of something. Here are some examples: - "I need to write an outline of my essay before I start writing." - "She gave a brief outline of the project during the meeting." - "The professor asked us to submit an outline of our research paper before we begin writing." - "The brochure provides an outline of the tour itinerary." - "Can you give me an outline of your presentation so I can follow along?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here is an outline of the process.

Harvard University

Here is an outline of the unit.

Yale University

There is an outline of fur, even individual hairs.

The Guardian

Pass out copies of an outline of a human head.

The New York Times

We delivered an outline of the five parts.

The Guardian - Film

"I made an outline of twenty-four scenes," Kushner says.

The New Yorker

There was an outline of a script but nothing specific.

The Guardian

-Create an outline of ideas for one of those topics.

The New York Times

But an outline of the bill emerged last week.

The Washington Post

Here's an outline of how we could do it.

MIT Technology Review

Here is an outline of what emerges.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a complex document or presentation, start with "an outline of" the key points to help your audience follow your arguments more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "an outline of" when you intend to provide a comprehensive, detailed explanation. "An outline of" is best used for summaries, not exhaustive analyses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outline of" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It introduces a summarized or schematic version of something, be it a plan, a document, or a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable, evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an outline of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a summary or overview of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely applicable across diverse contexts, including science, news, academia, and general writing. It functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of presenting key elements without excessive detail. While Ludwig's examples suggest a neutral register, its frequency in both academic and news sources makes it suitable for various audiences. Remember to use it when you need to provide a structured summary, and avoid it when detailed explanations are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a summary of

Replaces "outline" with a more general term for a brief account of the main points.

a synopsis of

Offers a concise summary, often used for plots or arguments.

a brief overview of

Adds emphasis on the brevity and generality of the account.

a sketch of

Implies a less detailed and more preliminary account.

a rundown of

Offers an informal summary, typically of events or procedures.

a breakdown of

Suggests a structured analysis and presentation of components.

a roadmap for

Describes a plan or strategy for achieving a goal.

a blueprint for

Similar to a roadmap but implies a more detailed and technical plan.

a framework for

Presents a basic structure or set of ideas supporting a system.

a guide to

Offers directions or advice on a particular subject or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "an outline of" to introduce a summary or overview. For example, "Here's "an outline of" the process" or "Table 1 presents "an outline of" the intervention content".

What is a good substitute for "an outline of"?

Alternatives include "a summary of", "a brief overview of", or "a synopsis of", depending on the level of detail and context.

Is it better to say "an outline of" or "a detailed explanation of"?

It depends on your purpose. "An outline of" is for providing a general overview, while "a detailed explanation of" indicates a thorough analysis. They serve different functions.

What's the difference between "an outline of" and "a sketch of"?

"An outline of" typically refers to a structured summary, whereas "a sketch of" suggests a more preliminary or rough overview.