drafting an outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drafting an outline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of creating a structured plan or framework for a piece of writing or project. Example: "Before starting my research paper, I spent several hours drafting an outline to organize my thoughts and main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Negotiations in Stockholm aimed at drafting an outline for a final settlement were suspended last week after violent protests in Gaza and the West Bank.

The New York Times

Negotiations in Stockholm aimed at drafting an outline for a final peace settlement were suspended last week after violent protests in Gaza and the West Bank on behalf of the Palestinian prisoners.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet a group of historians soon drafted an outline.

The Economist

After defining the focus of your presentation, you're ready to draft an outline.

Forbes

To get started, you'll need to draft an outline for what you want your asset to include.

Huffington Post

Then draft an outline for your post with your main points and a bit about what you will cover under each subhead.

Huffington Post

Before the talk, determine the goals and objectives you want to achieve and draft an outline or an agenda, with a few talking points.

Huffington Post

In August 2012, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources drafted an outline of its communication plan for presenting its desire to allow oil and gas drilling to take place on public lands like state parks and forests to the public.

Huffington Post

WRM and DSP discussed the ideas treated herein and drafted an outline of the manuscript.

Biology of Sex Differences

JN and CCB drafted an outline of major lessons learned and all other authors commented on, and modified the draft through several iterations.

BMC Family Practice

The international, multidisciplinary BKWG (comprising clinicians, researchers, policy makers and programme managers) met on two occasions to review the evidence, discuss the issues and draft an outline for the decision support tool.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drafting an outline" as a starting point, but be prepared to adapt it as your understanding of the topic evolves. Flexibility is key to a successful writing process.

Common error

Avoid treating the initial outline as an unchangeable constraint. While an outline provides structure, it should be flexible enough to accommodate new information and evolving perspectives that arise during the writing or planning process. Don't be afraid to deviate from the initial plan if it leads to a better final result.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drafting an outline" is that of a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It refers to the action of creating a preliminary plan or structure, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it's used to describe the process of developing agreements or presentations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drafting an outline" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that refers to the act of creating a preliminary plan or structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While not extremely common, it is a clear and effective way to describe the initial planning stages. When using this phrase, remember to prioritize clarity and flexibility in your outline, and avoid being too rigid in adhering to the initial plan. Consider alternatives like "creating a framework" or "developing a plan" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating a framework

Focuses on the construction of a foundational structure rather than the initial sketching of ideas.

developing a plan

Highlights the elaboration of a detailed strategy, moving beyond the initial sketch.

preparing a summary

Emphasizes condensing information into a concise overview, differing from planning.

formulating a strategy

Implies a more deliberate and tactical approach to planning, with specific goals.

drawing up a blueprint

Suggests a detailed and technical plan, often used in engineering or architecture contexts.

devising a scheme

Carries a connotation of ingenuity and inventiveness in creating a plan.

sketching a layout

Focuses on the visual representation and arrangement of elements in a plan.

mapping out a course

Highlights the process of charting a direction or sequence of actions.

laying out the groundwork

Emphasizes establishing the foundational elements before building upon them.

shaping a proposal

Focuses on refining and giving form to a suggestion or plan.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "drafting an outline" in project management?

When managing projects, "drafting an outline" helps to structure tasks and milestones, ensuring a clear roadmap for the team. Use it to define project scope, allocate resources, and set realistic timelines.

What are the key elements to include when "drafting an outline" for a research paper?

When "drafting an outline" for a research paper, ensure you include the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each section should have clear subtopics to guide your writing and research process.

What can I say instead of "drafting an outline"?

You can use alternatives like "creating a framework", "developing a plan", or "preparing a summary" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "drafting an outline" and "writing a first draft"?

"Drafting an outline" involves creating a structured plan or skeleton of your content, while writing a first draft means fleshing out those points into complete sentences and paragraphs. The outline serves as a guide for the drafting process.