general outline of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general outline of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a broad or overarching summary of a topic or subject matter. Example: "The report provides a general outline of the project's objectives and key milestones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

General outline of the process.

Nature

Follow the general outline of our design doc template.

University of California, Berkeley

This chapter presents a general outline of screening experiments.

Data Handling in Science and Technology

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 general outline of this experiment (Experiment 6) is described in Fig. 5a.

Nature

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

The Economist

The shallow channel mainly restores the general outline of the image.

Neurocomputing

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

According to some House conferees, the general outline of a possible agreement on four of the issues was emerging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general outline of", ensure that the subsequent details provide sufficient context without overwhelming the reader. It's a roadmap, not the entire journey.

Common error

Avoid presenting too much detail when offering a "general outline of". The purpose is to provide a framework, not an exhaustive explanation. Save the specifics for later sections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general outline of" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It is primarily used to introduce a summary or overview, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "general outline of" is a versatile and frequently used expression for introducing summaries or overviews across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it appears most commonly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. To enhance clarity and avoid overwhelming your audience, remember to keep the outline concise, reserving detailed explanations for subsequent sections. Consider using alternatives like "broad overview of" or "basic framework for" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad overview of

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the summary, often used to introduce a topic.

basic framework for

Highlights the foundational structure or plan of something.

rough sketch of

Suggests a preliminary and less detailed description.

overall structure of

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of the components.

preliminary overview of

Indicates an initial and potentially incomplete summary.

simplified version of

Suggests a less complex or detailed explanation.

high-level view of

Implies a summary from a distant or abstract perspective.

the gist of

Focuses on the core or essential points.

synopsis of

Offers a condensed summary of the main points.

the big picture of

Emphasizes understanding the overall context or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "general outline of" to introduce a summary or overview, as in "This chapter presents a "general outline of" screening experiments".

What are some alternatives to "general outline of"?

Consider using phrases like "broad overview of", "basic framework for", or "rough sketch of" depending on the specific context and level of detail you want to convey.

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

Yes, "general outline of" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to introduce a summary or overview of a topic or plan.

What's the difference between "general outline of" and "detailed explanation of"?

"General outline of" provides a broad overview without going into specifics, whereas a "detailed explanation of" explores the subject in depth, covering all aspects and nuances.