make an outline

USAGE SUMMARY

"make an outline" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it typically when speaking about creating a structure to organize an essay or other written work. For example, "Before I start writing my essay, I'll make an outline to organize my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And I realized that's kind of how I should start writing the movie script: just make an outline of all the beats.

The New Yorker

By 1910, Stratemeyer had formed a corporation called the Stratemeyer Syndicate, which was a kids'-books production line: he would make an outline, hire a ghostwriter to write the book to order, then polish the work to conform to his preferred style, before handing it off to a publisher.

The New Yorker

Why Should You Make an Outline?

Science Magazine

How Should You Make an Outline?

Science Magazine

There are several ways to make an outline.

Science Magazine

Before writing a grant application, first make an outline so that you can be sure your application follows the agency instructions meticulously and includes the information you are asked to provide.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I made an outline of twenty-four scenes," Kushner says.

The New Yorker

She never makes an outline, and she does most of her research on Google.

The New Yorker

Most experts advise making an outline with talking points rather than an exact manuscript.

The New York Times

You know, I've never made an outline for any novel that I've written.

The Guardian - Books

I stumbled out something about making an outline, thinking through what you wanted to say, making sure that your sentences on the page sounded a little like your voice in life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For presentations, "make an outline" that includes speaking points to ensure you cover all key information.

Common error

Don't let your outline restrict your creativity. While it's important to "make an outline", be flexible and allow for deviations if new ideas emerge during the writing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an outline" functions primarily as a directive verb phrase. It instructs or suggests the action of creating a structured framework. Ludwig's examples confirm that it's commonly used in the context of writing, planning, and drawing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an outline" is a common and grammatically correct instruction used across various contexts, from writing essays to crafting presentations. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples of its application. While primarily directive, its purpose is to advise and guide towards structured planning. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Therefore, understanding the nuances of when and how to "make an outline" can significantly enhance your organizational and communicative skills. Remember to stay flexible and allow your outline to evolve as your project progresses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a draft

Focuses on the initial, preliminary stage of planning, similar to outlining.

develop a plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect, highlighting the creation of a structured approach.

prepare a sketch

Implies a rough, initial version, akin to the formative stage of an outline.

formulate a framework

Stresses the creation of a basic structure that provides support.

draw up a scheme

Refers to creating a detailed plan or program.

arrange key points

Focuses on organizing the most important aspects, like structuring an outline.

establish a structure

Highlights the organization of information, which is a key feature of an outline.

lay out the basics

Implies presenting the fundamental elements, similar to establishing the main sections of an outline.

chart a course

Emphasizes planning and direction.

design a roadmap

Highlights strategic planning for a project or presentation, similar to outlining.

FAQs

How to use "make an outline" in a sentence?

You can use "make an outline" to describe the process of creating a structured plan. For example, "Before writing the report, I need to "make an outline" of the key sections and points."

What are some synonyms for "make an outline"?

Alternatives include "create a draft", "develop a plan", or "prepare a sketch". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "make an outline" before writing?

While not always necessary, it is generally recommended to "make an outline" for complex projects. It helps organize thoughts and ensures a more coherent and structured final product. However, some writers prefer to start writing without an outline and then refine their structure later.

What's the difference between "make an outline" and "write a draft"?

"Make an outline" involves creating a structured plan of the key points and sections. "Write a draft", on the other hand, involves writing out the full content of the document in a preliminary form. Outlining comes before drafting.