as a rough outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a rough outline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a general framework or summary of a topic without going into detailed specifics. Example: "As a rough outline, the presentation will cover the main objectives, key findings, and recommendations for future action."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Use the plan as a rough outline, using the sheet as a reference as where to go.

WikiHow

Think of the menu, Ms. Vélez suggested, as a rough outline.

The New York Times - Travel

He himself warns us that his initial statement of what happiness is should be treated as a rough outline whose details are to be filled in later (1098a20 22).

SEP

Keep your syllabus accessible to use it as a rough outline for the class.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

With a rough outline to use as a guide, scientists can begin finding new pieces of the puzzle and fitting the puzzle pieces together to form recognizable pieces of the bigger picture.

Stanford University

I felt we shared a somewhat similar narrative aesthetic, and wrote a rough outline of what I thought of as a Roeg-like film, calling it "Matinée," but that was as far as it went.

The New Yorker

When in the skin, the Zune takes on the same appearance as Han Solo when he's frozen in Carbonite, a rough outline of what's underneath visible.

TechCrunch

Envisioning Chicago as the anchor of an enormous region, he drafted a rough outline of highways to connect the city to the places around it.

The New Yorker

I had given Butler only a rough outline of my appearance, and as I sat watching the front door, I found myself beginning to speculate wildly about his.

The New York Times - Magazine

Start with a rough outline sketch of your Herbie (also known as a Volkswagen Beetle).

WikiHow

Bathymetric data obtained during the course of the Challenger expedition enabled scientists to draw maps, which provided a rough outline of certain major submarine terrain features, such as the edge of the continental shelves and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a rough outline" when you want to provide a general idea or plan without getting into specific details. This helps the audience understand the overall structure without being overwhelmed by minutiae.

Common error

Avoid using "as a rough outline" when presenting a comprehensive and finalized plan. This phrase suggests incompleteness, which can undermine the perceived value of a detailed presentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a rough outline" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It introduces a qualification, suggesting that what follows is a general or preliminary version of something. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a rough outline" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a general or preliminary version of a plan, idea, or topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, including wiki articles, news media, academic works, and scientific documents. The phrase serves to set expectations that the information provided is not exhaustive and suggests a framework that may be further developed. When writing, remember to use "as a rough outline" when a detailed plan is not yet available or necessary, and avoid it when presenting finalized and comprehensive information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a basic framework

Emphasizes the foundational structure.

as a general overview

Highlights the summarizing nature.

in broad strokes

Focuses on the general aspects, omitting details.

as a simplified version

Highlights the reduction of complexity.

in preliminary form

Indicates an early stage of development.

in bare outline

Stresses the lack of embellishment.

as a rudimentary plan

Emphasizes the basic and undeveloped nature of the plan.

in skeletal form

Suggests a minimal and incomplete version.

in its initial stages

Focuses on the beginning phase.

as a quick sketch

Implies brevity and lack of detail.

FAQs

How can I use "as a rough outline" in a sentence?

You can use "as a rough outline" to introduce a plan, a summary, or a set of ideas that are not yet fully developed. For example, "As a rough outline, the project will involve three phases: planning, execution, and evaluation."

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

"As a rough outline" suggests a general framework without specific details, whereas "as a detailed plan" implies a comprehensive and fully developed strategy.

What can I say instead of "as a rough outline"?

You can use alternatives like "in broad strokes", "as a basic framework", or "as a general overview" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "as a rough outline" is suitable for formal writing when you need to present preliminary ideas or a general plan that will be further developed. However, ensure that the level of detail is appropriate for your audience.