outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'outline' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the basic structure of something, for example: My outline for the paper includes three main points.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This outline is a guide to the course.

The Guardian

If you would like fellow readers to respond to a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of about 150 words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you would like fellow readers and Linda Blair to answer a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of around 250 words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

With only an outline sketch of an agreement on the table, many of Europe's most senior policymakers are of the opinion that a crisis point will be reached and that Athens's radical left Syriza government will be forced to either capitulate to Brussels or quit the euro.

The Guardian

We outline whom they face first, how far they might go, and what would be a good French Open result for players from a nation that has traditionally struggled on the terre battue.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, I travelled overnight to Munich through the velvety black outline of the Alps.

The Guardian - Travel

Alexander also used his Commons statement to outline plans to clamp down on tax evasion.

The Guardian

The statement, which will outline anticipated cuts of around £3bn, is expected on Thursday in the final hours before parliament rises for the Christmas break.

The Guardian

The draft election law, as expected, follows closely an outline drawn up in Beijing last summer by China's parliament.

The Guardian

A state of union address in an election year is more than just an opportunity to outline policy objectives however; this large prime-time television audience represents Obama's biggest chance to to sway the outcome of November's midterms and increase (or at least protect) Democratic representation in Congress.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outline" as a verb, ensure clarity by specifying what is being outlined (e.g., "outline the plan", "outline the key features").

Common error

Avoid confusing "outline", which means to summarize or define, with "underline", which means to draw a line beneath something. For example, instead of saying "underline the main points", use "outline the main points" to provide a summary.

Linguistic Context

The word "outline" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents a summary or a boundary. As a verb, it signifies the act of summarizing or delineating. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "outline" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, widely used to describe the act of summarizing or providing a structured overview. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using "outline", remember to specify what is being outlined to ensure clarity and avoid confusing it with "underline". Common alternatives include "sketch out", "summarize", and "provide an overview".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide an overview

Emphasizes giving a general summary of a topic.

offer a synopsis

Indicates providing a brief summary of a text or event.

summarize

Emphasizes condensing information into a concise form.

lay out

Implies presenting information in an organized and structured manner.

give the main points

Highlights the act of focusing on essential details.

sketch out

Focuses on a preliminary and less detailed representation.

present a framework

Focuses on providing a structural basis or overview.

delineate

Highlights the act of marking or defining something clearly.

chart

Suggests a systematic arrangement or mapping of information.

draft

Suggests a preliminary version or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "outline" in a sentence?

You can use "outline" as a noun to refer to a summary or a line marking a boundary, or as a verb to describe the act of summarizing or delineating something. For example, "The "outline of the speech" was well-prepared" or "The speaker will "outline the key features" of the new product".

What are some synonyms for "outline"?

Synonyms for "outline" include "summary", "synopsis", "draft", "sketch", and "framework". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use "outline" as a noun versus a verb?

Use "outline" as a noun when you are referring to the summary or plan itself (e.g., "Review the "project outline""). Use it as a verb when you are describing the action of creating or presenting a summary (e.g., "The manager will "outline the proposal" at the meeting").

What's the difference between "outline" and "summary"?

"Outline" often refers to a structured, organized plan or overview that highlights the main points, while "summary" typically condenses a larger text or presentation into a shorter form, focusing on the most important information. An "outline" may be used as a guide, while a "summary" is often a recap.