outline how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outline how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to describe the steps or methods involved in a particular process or situation. Example: "In your report, please outline how the new policy will be implemented across the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They outline how things ought to be.

The New York Times

Outline how you would conduct these lessons.

The Guardian - Opinion

MNG did not outline how it planned to manage Gannett.

The New York Times

The authors outline how the risks can be reduced.

Advances in Space Research

Also, the banks must outline how they plan to adapt to the new financial overhaul rules.

The New York Times

But he appeared less confident to outline how the policy worked.

The Guardian

The steps should outline how Australia will move to a zero-emissions electricity sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have called on the government to outline how it will fund and staff them.

The Guardian

To illustrate the point you outline how Petruchio's "taming" of Kate takes place.

The Guardian

We asked him to outline how things might have been different.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, Railtrack will also outline how fast trains can also be protected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outline how", ensure the subsequent explanation provides a clear, step-by-step guide or structured explanation to enhance clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "outline how" without providing sufficient detail in the explanation that follows; be sure to include specific steps or methods to make the outline truly useful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outline how" is to introduce a clause that describes a method, process, or procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating that it is a standard and acceptable way to structure such explanations. For instance, the phrase prefaces a step-by-step guide or a structured explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outline how" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to introduce a description of a method or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted across various contexts, including science, news, and general informational content. When using "outline how", be sure to provide a clear, structured explanation with specific steps to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "describe how", "explain how", and "detail how" can be used depending on the desired level of detail and the context. Remember that "outline how" implies a structured, step-by-step approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describe how

Uses a more general verb for explaining a process.

detail how

Emphasizes providing specific and comprehensive information.

explain how

Focuses on making the process understandable.

illustrate how

Uses examples to clarify the process.

specify how

Concentrates on providing exact and precise instructions.

present how

Highlights the act of showing or displaying the process.

indicate how

Suggests pointing out or making the process known.

demonstrate how

Focuses on showing the steps through practical application.

show how

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the process.

clarify how

Emphasizes making the process clear and easy to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "outline how" to introduce a description of a process or method, as in "The manual will "outline how" to install the software".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "outline how"?

Some alternatives to "outline how" include "describe how", "explain how", or "detail how", depending on the specific context and level of detail you want to convey.

Is it better to use "outline how" or "describe how"?

Both "outline how" and "describe how" are correct, but "outline how" suggests a more structured, step-by-step explanation, whereas "describe how" is a more general term for providing information.

When should I use "outline how" versus "explain how"?

"Outline how" is best when you want to give a structured overview or step-by-step guide. "Explain how" is more appropriate when you want to make something understandable, often by providing reasons or causes.