cannot be outlined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be outlined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is too complex, vague, or abstract to be clearly defined or summarized. Example: "The intricacies of human emotions cannot be outlined in a simple diagram."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A large spectrum of literature and discussions can be found in the field of environmental certification and standard setting which cannot be outlined in its full extent.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Based on current data, stringent guidelines or strategies regarding non-insulin antidiabetic pharmacotherapy in T2DM patients with heart disease cannot yet be outlined.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

These developments cannot be discussed here in depth for all areas, but shall be outlined in the following.

Globalization and Health

Plans will be outlined.

The New York Times

Both will be outlined.

Quaternary International

Several responses can be outlined.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

It's outlined in Section 161 of the NZ Immigration Act 2009, that a non-citizen cannot be deported after 10 years of residency.

Vice

(The story is outlined here).

The New Yorker

Various excuses have been outlined.

The Guardian

Plans are being outlined.

BBC

Numerical algorithm is outlined.

Structural Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be outlined" when indicating that something is too complex or lacks clear boundaries for a simple explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be outlined" when a simpler phrase like "not defined" or "unclear" would suffice. The phrase is best suited for situations involving inherent complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be outlined" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the impossibility or inability to describe or define something clearly or completely. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates complexity or a lack of clear boundaries.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be outlined" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey the impossibility of providing a simple or complete description of something due to its complexity or lack of clear boundaries. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, its usage is relatively rare and most appropriate in formal or academic contexts, such as science and news media. Consider alternative phrases like "cannot be defined" or "cannot be specified" for nuanced meanings. Avoid overuse in simplistic contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be specified

Focuses on the inability to specify details.

cannot be detailed

Highlights the lack of ability to provide intricate details.

cannot be delineated

Emphasizes the absence of clear boundaries or distinctions.

cannot be defined

Stresses the impossibility of a precise definition.

cannot be mapped out

Focuses on the inability to create a plan or visual representation.

cannot be characterized

Highlights the lack of distinct characteristics to describe something.

cannot be determined

Emphasizes the inability to find something out definitively.

cannot be established

Focuses on the lack of evidence to prove or set something up.

cannot be formulated

Highlights the impossibility of creating a clear statement or plan.

cannot be captured

Emphasizes the difficulty in fully expressing or representing something.

FAQs

What does "cannot be outlined" mean?

It means something is too complex or lacks clear boundaries to be described simply or briefly. It suggests an inherent difficulty in summarizing or defining something precisely.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be outlined"?

Use it when discussing abstract concepts, complex systems, or situations where a simple summary is impossible due to the subject's intricate nature. Consider alternatives such as "cannot be defined" or "cannot be specified".

What are some alternatives to "cannot be outlined"?

Alternatives include "cannot be defined", "cannot be detailed", or "cannot be specified" depending on the specific context. These options offer slightly different nuances while conveying a similar inability to provide a clear description.

How can I use "cannot be outlined" in a sentence?

Example: "The full extent of the environmental impact cannot be outlined in a single report." Ensure the subject is sufficiently complex or abstract to justify the phrase's use.