by outlining

USAGE SUMMARY

"by outlining" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe how something is done, or the method used to achieve a certain result. For example: - "The author effectively conveyed their main points by outlining a clear structure in the essay." - "You can save time by outlining your project plan before starting to work on it." - "The surgeon began the operation by outlining the incision area on the patient's skin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She starts by outlining her 30-year career at JPMorgan.

The New York Times

Start by outlining the situation you were in.

The Guardian

Hinch wasn't protecting anyone by outlining Bayley's previous offences.

The Guardian - Opinion

They begin by outlining a complex news analysis about the upcoming presidential election.

The New York Times

The two stages of the process of speciation can be characterized, finally, by outlining their distinctions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vice responded by outlining steps it planned to take to improve the relationship.

The Guardian

But soon the school will formally ban scooters by outlining the prohibition in the student handbook.

The New York Times

By outlining his theory in "JonBenet: Inside the Ramsey Murder Investigation" (St.

The New York Times

Not only that, he went further by outlining his aversion to needles.

The Guardian - Sport

The article concludes by outlining future development of our project.

Expert Systems with Applications

Our analysis begins by outlining an overarching framework for entrepreneurial innovation and context.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by outlining", ensure the subsequent content delivers on the promise of a clear and structured presentation of information. This sets expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply listing points "by outlining" without providing sufficient explanation or evidence. A good outline should be a roadmap to deeper understanding, not just a series of labels.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by outlining" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb. It indicates the method or means by which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by outlining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a prepositional modifier. According to Ludwig AI and the examples provided, its primary function is to introduce a structured overview or summary of a topic. It is commonly found in science, news, and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent content delivers a clear and organized presentation. Remember that while alternatives like "by summarizing" or "by detailing" exist, "by outlining" specifically emphasizes the structural aspect of the information being presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by summarizing

Focuses more on condensing information rather than structuring it.

by presenting an overview

Highlights the act of presenting a high-level view of the topic.

by detailing

Emphasizes providing specific information, potentially more granular than outlining.

by sketching the main points

Combines the ideas of preliminary overview and focusing on key elements.

by sketching

Suggests a more preliminary and less detailed overview.

by providing a framework

Focuses on the structuring aspect, implying a more organized presentation.

by presenting a blueprint

Implies a more detailed and planned structure, similar to an architectural blueprint.

through a summary

Shifts the focus to the result (a summary) rather than the action of creating it.

via a synopsis

Similar to "through a summary" but implies a concise overview.

by giving a rundown

Suggests a more informal and casual presentation of information.

FAQs

How can I use "by outlining" in a sentence?

You can use "by outlining" to describe a method of explaining or presenting information, such as, "The speaker clarified the complex topic "by outlining" the core concepts first."

What are some alternatives to using "by outlining"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "by summarizing", "by detailing", or "by sketching the main points".

Is it better to say "by outlining" or "by providing an outline"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "by outlining" emphasizes the action of creating the structure, while "by providing an outline" emphasizes the existence of the outline itself. Choose the option that best fits the focus of your sentence.

What's the difference between "by outlining" and "by describing"?

"By outlining" suggests creating a structured overview, while "by describing" simply involves giving details about something. If you're organizing information into a framework, use "by outlining"; if you're simply providing information, use "by describing".