initial outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial outline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first draft or preliminary version of a plan, document, or project. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, let's review the initial outline to ensure we are on the right track."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Mr. Obama signed off on the initial outline, after making a few adjustments.

The New York Times - Tech

There has been an initial outline produced and we shouldn't get too excited until the full report comes out.

The Guardian - Business

Some architects and artists, meanwhile, have cringed at an initial outline of possible elements for a memorial drafted by a families' advisory council.

The New York Times

Mr. Spada said the Broadway musical reflected "years of originality" on Ms. Taymor's part, building on the initial outline, but he also conceded "we certainly could have been clearer" in spelling out reasons for the copyright claim.

The New York Times

This list is incomplete – it is more of an initial outline than an exhaustive register.

European Journal of Futures Research

Although improper initial outline may lead to local minimum, the continuous movement of cooperative target can figure it out by estimating target's position according to target movement characters.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

By December, 2003, the initial outlines of the plan were revealed in a letter to potential supporters.

The New Yorker

Morley plans to hold a series of industry 'round tables' with companies and others such as NGO representatives and regulators, to develop the initial outlines.

The Guardian

Probably not by the S.E.C. Dennis Kelleher, president of Better Markets Inc., a nonprofit advocating effective financial regulation, said regulatory proposals usually weren't expanded beyond their initial outlines.

The New York Times

The initial outlines of the bailout program specifically excluded foreign banks and their American affiliates.

Huffington Post

The disposition-related homologous series data provide initial outlines of the relationships between structure and disposition, equivalent to the cross sections along one variable through complex dependencies.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial outline" to refer to the very first structured plan; for subsequent versions, specify "revised outline" or "updated outline".

Common error

Avoid treating an "initial outline" as a definitive guide. Ensure it's presented as a flexible framework, not a rigid blueprint, to allow for necessary adjustments and improvements throughout the project's development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial outline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a preliminary version of a plan, document, or design, setting the stage for further development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial outline" is a noun phrase denoting the preliminary version of a plan or document. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and media as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When using this phrase, remember to treat it as a starting point, subject to changes, rather than a fixed plan. Alternatives like "preliminary sketch" or "draft plan" can be used depending on the context. Always present the "initial outline" as a flexible framework to encourage constructive feedback and further refinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary sketch

Emphasizes the early and tentative nature of the plan.

draft plan

Highlights the incomplete and revisable state of the plan.

first draft

Focuses on the initial written version of a document.

early blueprint

Suggests a more technical or architectural plan in its initial stage.

initial proposal

Implies a formal suggestion or proposition that is yet to be finalized.

preliminary framework

Stresses the basic structure and organization of the plan.

initial concept

Focuses on the core idea or notion before detailed planning.

working model

Suggests a practical and evolving representation of the plan.

basic framework

Highlights the foundational structure before further development.

pilot version

Implies a test version to evaluate viability.

FAQs

How do you use "initial outline" in a sentence?

You can use "initial outline" to describe the first version of a plan or document, as in: "The president signed off on the "initial outline, after making a few adjustments."

What is another way to say "initial outline"?

Alternatives include "preliminary sketch", "draft plan", or "first draft", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "initial outline" and "final plan"?

The "initial outline" is the starting point, a rough draft that is subject to changes. The "final plan" is the completed and approved version, incorporating all revisions and details.

When should I use "initial outline" versus "detailed plan"?

Use "initial outline" when referring to the preliminary stages of planning. Use "detailed plan" once all the specifics and complexities have been worked out.