clearly outlined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearly outlined" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been thoroughly explained or defined in a clear and visible manner. Example: The instructions for assembling the furniture were clearly outlined in the manual.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe it wasn't clearly outlined, and we didn't really know.

The New York Times

The 4 archegonial neck cells are clearly outlined.

Cornell University

Our objections clearly outlined how opening this Tesco store would pose a threat to public safety.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his view, "the free-enterprise system is clearly outlined in the Book of Proverbs".

The New Yorker

We are working with policy makers to ensure that lending terms and conditions are clearly outlined.

The New York Times

All of our entry requirements are clearly outlined on all course information.

The Guardian

When we marketed the event we clearly outlined the benefits social entrepreneurs would receive.

The Guardian

Have you clearly outlined in writing what you expect of your students and research assistants?

Stanford University

The edges of lesions were clearly outlined although on ultrasound images they were fuzzy.

Ultrasonics

Zone A is clearly outlined in this interactive map posted online by WNYC.

The New York Times

Your greatest potential for this lifetime, your highest, most meaningful work is all clearly outlined in these numbers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clearly outlined", ensure that the elements being described are indeed unambiguous and easily understood by the intended audience. Avoid using it if the details are still vague or subject to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "clearly outlined" when the subject matter is complex and requires significant effort to understand. Overusing the phrase can undermine your credibility if the described elements are not genuinely clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly outlined" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing it as having been defined or explained in a clear and unambiguous manner. Ludwig's examples show it often modifies terms like "expectations", "requirements", and "benefits".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clearly outlined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates something has been thoroughly explained or defined in a clear, unambiguous manner. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While highly versatile, it’s most appropriate in neutral to professional registers and should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like ""explicitly defined"" or "precisely specified" can add nuance depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly defined

Focuses on the definition being explicit rather than just outlined.

precisely specified

Highlights the precision and detail in the specification.

distinctly presented

Emphasizes the clarity and distinction of the presentation.

well-defined

A more concise way of saying something is "clearly outlined".

thoroughly detailed

Stresses the completeness of the details provided.

plainly stated

Focuses on the simplicity and directness of the statement.

unambiguously described

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the description.

carefully delineated

Emphasizes the care and precision in drawing the boundaries or features.

lucidly explained

Focuses on the ease of understanding due to the explanation's clarity.

definitively articulated

Highlights the authoritative and conclusive nature of the articulation.

FAQs

How can I use "clearly outlined" in a sentence?

Use "clearly outlined" to describe something that has been thoroughly explained or defined in a clear and visible manner. For example, "The project goals were "explicitly defined" in the proposal".

What can I say instead of "clearly outlined"?

You can use alternatives like ""explicitly defined"", "precisely specified", or "distinctly presented" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very clearly outlined"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very clearly outlined" can be redundant. The phrase "clearly outlined" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using stronger verbs or adjectives to enhance the description if needed.

Which is correct, "clearly outlined" or "clearly outlining"?

"Clearly outlined" is the past participle form, used to describe something that has already been defined. "Clearly outlining" is the present participle form, used to describe the action of defining something. For example, "The document is clearly outlined" versus "The author is clearly outlining the steps".