general outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general outline" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a basic or broad summary or overview of something. Example: Before writing my essay, I created a general outline to organize my ideas and ensure that my paper followed a logical structure.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This general outline is derived from a template page that was used to generate all the individual gene pages.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The general outline remains intact.

The New York Times - Books

A: The general outline is pretty straightforward.

The New Yorker

"Only a rough general outline can be reconstructed," he wrote.

The New York Times - Science

In its general outline, the play's plot is wearily familiar.

The New York Times

The general outline of Lionel Shriver's novel must be widely familiar by now.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Bush sent a general outline of his budget plans to Congress in February.

The New York Times

The story, at least in general outline, has been remade at least thirty-nine times.

The New Yorker

Radio and television reports normally provide only a general outline of which roads are running smoothly.

The Economist

Start by laying out the general outline of the path on the ground with stakes and cord.

The New York Times

But American military officials and reports from civilians on the ground provided a general outline of what had occurred.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "general outline", focus on the core components and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details. This allows for flexibility and easier adjustments later on.

Common error

Avoid making your "general outline" too specific. A highly detailed outline can stifle creativity and make it difficult to adapt to new information or changing priorities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general outline" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a preliminary plan or summary of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used, and examples show its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general outline" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to describe a basic plan or summary. As highlighted by Ludwig, its function is to provide a simplified overview, making it suitable for various registers, from formal and scientific to more casual contexts. The phrase finds common usage in science, news, and media sources. When employing "general outline", it's advisable to concentrate on the core components, avoiding excessive detail that could limit flexibility. Alternatives include "basic framework" or "broad overview", each offering subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summary overview

Combines the ideas of summary and overview for emphasis.

broad overview

Focuses on providing a wide-ranging perspective, downplaying the structuring aspects.

overall plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect rather than the descriptive aspect.

basic layout

Emphasizes the arrangement and organization of elements.

basic framework

Suggests a structural foundation rather than a descriptive summary.

initial roadmap

Focuses on guiding progress and direction from the outset.

skeleton structure

Implies a bare-bones framework, essential but lacking detail.

preliminary sketch

Emphasizes the initial and tentative nature of the outline.

rough draft

Highlights the preliminary and unfinished nature of the outline.

essential elements

Highlights the most important components, possibly excluding structuring.

FAQs

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

You can use "general outline" to describe a basic plan or summary. For instance, "The professor provided a "general outline" of the course at the beginning of the semester."

What are some alternatives to "general outline"?

Some alternatives to "general outline" include "basic framework", "broad overview", and "summary overview".

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

Yes, "general outline" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe a preliminary plan or summary. Its usage is widespread across formal and scientific texts.

What is the difference between a "general outline" and a detailed plan?

A "general outline" provides a broad overview of the main points or steps, while a detailed plan includes specific information, timelines, and resources. The "general outline" serves as a starting point for developing a more comprehensive strategy.