broad outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad outline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general or overarching summary of a topic, plan, or idea without going into detailed specifics. Example: "The report provides a broad outline of the project's goals and objectives, allowing stakeholders to understand the main focus areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Likewise, in broad outline, Romeo and Juliet.

Independent

Their idea is, in broad outline, straightforward.

The New York Times - Health

Only a broad outline has been sketched.

The New York Times

In broad outline, New Yorkers know all this.

The New Yorker

The broad outline of the tale is by now familiar.

The New York Times - Books

The broad outline of the White House plan for the restructuring had been previously known.

The New York Times

In broad outline and in fine detail, the portrait of misrule is complete.

The New Yorker

Richardson interweaves a broad outline of Pirsig's troubled and fascinating biography.

The New York Times - Books

Last month, Mr. Bush sent Congress a broad outline of his education proposal.

The New York Times

In broad outline, the Dictionary-making story is as well-known as the Johnson story itself.

The Guardian - Books

It's difficult to find even a broad outline of the direction of travel".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a complex topic, start with a "broad outline" to provide context before delving into specifics. This helps your audience grasp the overall picture before getting lost in the details.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "broad outline" as a complete plan. Make it clear that details are yet to be filled in to prevent misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad outline" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies "outline". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a general plan or summary. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broad outline" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a general overview or summary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in writing and speech. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases such as "general framework" and "overall summary" offer similar meanings. A key writing tip is to use "broad outline" to provide initial context before detailing specifics, while avoiding the mistake of presenting it as a comprehensive plan. In essence, "broad outline" serves as a valuable tool for efficient and clear communication, particularly when introducing complex subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general framework

Indicates a basic structure or set of principles, focusing more on the foundational aspects.

overall summary

Highlights the concise recap of the main points, emphasizing brevity.

rough sketch

Suggests an initial, less refined representation, focusing on the preliminary nature.

basic framework

Similar to "general framework", but with a stronger emphasis on the fundamental structure.

general overview

Highlights a top-level view, focusing on providing a general understanding.

preliminary plan

Emphasizes the early stage of a plan, suggesting it's subject to change.

skeleton structure

Focuses on the bare bones of the structure, lacking in detail.

essential elements

Highlights the most important components, rather than the structure itself.

main features

Focuses on the most prominent aspects, rather than the entire structure.

high-level view

Indicates a perspective from a distance, lacking granular detail.

FAQs

How can I use "broad outline" in a sentence?

You can use "broad outline" to describe a general summary or overview of a topic. For example, "The presentation provided a "broad outline" of the company's strategy".

What can I say instead of "broad outline"?

You can use alternatives like "general framework", "overall summary", or "rough sketch" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "broad outline" in formal writing?

Yes, "broad outline" is suitable for formal writing when you need to present a general overview without going into excessive detail. It's commonly used in academic, business, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "broad outline" and "detailed plan"?

A "broad outline" presents the main points and structure without specific details. A "detailed plan", on the other hand, includes all the specific steps, resources, and timelines necessary for execution.