in outline

USAGE SUMMARY

"in outline" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a brief summary or overview of something. Example: The professor presented the main points of his lecture in outline form on the whiteboard. In this sentence, "in outline" is used to describe how the main points were presented, giving a general overview of the lecture material.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In outline, anyway.

The New York Times

In outline they resemble terrestrial river systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Outline writing becomes talking," she explains.

The Guardian - Books

The terrain is similar, at least in outline.

The New York Times

veritypontiki: Just fininishing Karl Barth's Dogmatics in Outline.

The Guardian - Books

And in outline, Marlowe's play is repugnant to modern taste.

The Guardian

"First Flask" is like a beaker in outline.

The New York Times

In outline, it looks like a conventional work play.

The Guardian

In outline at least, the Mercer story is pretty straightforward.

The New York Times

In outline it sounds like a gay love story.

The Guardian

Straightforward in outline, that is – not in design.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in outline" when you want to give a general overview without delving into specific details. It's suitable for introductions, summaries, or when sketching the basic structure of a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "on the outline" when you intend to provide a general overview. "In outline" is the correct idiomatic expression. "On the outline" would refer to something physically located on an outline document, which is less common.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in outline" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is being described or presented in a summarized or schematic manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently employed expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in outline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce a summarized or general overview. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications span across varied domains like news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and wide acceptance. While offering a general scope of content, "in outline" is a neutral expression, it must not be confused with "on the outline". Related phrases like "in brief" or "in essence" can offer similar meanings, but "in outline" remains a reliable choice for providing a schematic understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in brief

This alternative offers a shorter and more direct way of saying something is being summarized.

in summary

This alternative is a more formal and direct way to indicate a summary is being provided.

in essence

This alternative focuses on the core or fundamental nature of something.

in a nutshell

This alternative suggests a very concise and simplified summary.

in short

This alternative provides a brief and to-the-point summary.

in principle

This alternative focuses on the fundamental idea or concept.

broadly speaking

This alternative conveys a general overview without specific details.

schematically

This alternative emphasizes a diagrammatic or structural representation.

in a general way

This alternative refers to addressing something without detailed specifics.

in its basic form

This alternative underscores the fundamental or simplified version of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "in outline" to introduce a summary or general overview of a topic. For example, "In outline, the project aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs".

What's a good alternative to "in outline"?

Alternatives include "in brief", "in summary", or "in essence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each option offers a slightly different take on summarizing information.

Is "in outline form" the same as "in outline"?

While similar, "in outline form" typically refers to the format of presentation (e.g., a bullet-point list), whereas "in outline" refers to the content being a general overview.

When is it appropriate to use "in outline" versus "in detail"?

"In outline" is suitable when providing a high-level summary or overview. "In detail" is used when providing a thorough and comprehensive explanation, covering all aspects and nuances of a topic.