general outlines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general outlines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to broad or overarching ideas, plans, or frameworks without going into specific details. Example: "The report provides general outlines of the proposed project, highlighting the main objectives and strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But general outlines will provide a compass.

The New York Times

Still, the general outlines seem clear enough.

The New York Times

He also sketched general outlines for shifts in Pentagon spending.

The New York Times

They agreed to give the general outlines of their program.

The New York Times

But the general outlines of a split are apparent.

The New York Times

Texas provided the most detail, while the other states provided only general outlines.

The Guardian

The general outlines of the crime, however, haven't changed much since the first episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The general outlines of Douglas's progress to London and Olympic gold are pretty well-known.

The Guardian - Books

What follows are the general outlines of the newfangled eggnogs they made.

The New York Times

The general outlines of artistic borrowings among East Asian countries can be traced from historical records.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By 1802 the general outlines of his broad theory of organic transformation had taken shape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "general outlines", clearly state that details will follow to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting only "general outlines" without any intention of providing further specifics. This can leave the audience uninformed and frustrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general outlines" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a summary or overview of a plan, idea, or situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general outlines" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the basic framework or main points of a plan, idea, or situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. While "general outlines" provides a high-level view, it is important to follow up with specific details to avoid vagueness. Related phrases such as "broad overview" and "basic framework" offer alternative ways to express the same concept with subtle differences in emphasis. Therefore, consider alternatives that are better suited for the context and intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad overview

Replaces "general" with "broad", emphasizing the wide scope of the overview.

basic framework

Focuses on the underlying structure or skeleton of a plan or idea.

overall structure

Highlights the arrangement and organization of something as a whole.

main features

Emphasizes the most important or prominent aspects.

essential elements

Focuses on the indispensable components of something.

preliminary sketch

Suggests an initial, often rough, depiction of something.

rough draft

Implies a first version that is not yet polished or complete.

initial plan

Emphasizes the starting phase of a planned activity.

the big picture

Suggests focusing on the entirety of a situation, not the minor details.

high-level view

Indicates an abstract, non-detailed perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "general outlines" to describe the main points of a plan, story, or concept. For example, "The presentation provided only "general outlines" of the project, with specific details to be discussed later."

What's a good alternative to "general outlines"?

Alternatives include "broad overview", "basic framework", or "overall structure". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "general outlines" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "general outlines" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey the main points of a topic without getting into excessive detail. However, it's often necessary to follow up with more specific information.

What is the difference between "general outlines" and "specific details"?

"General outlines" refer to the broad strokes or main points of a topic, while "specific details" delve into the particulars and granular aspects. One provides an overview, while the other offers an in-depth exploration.