outline of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outline of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general description or summary of a topic, plan, or structure. Example: "The outline of the project will help us stay organized and focused on our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outline of his life.

The New Yorker

Outline of his career.

The New Yorker

Outline of health physics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Outline of the course.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Outline of Sir George's life.

The New Yorker

Outline of Dr. Pargellis' career.

The New Yorker

General outline of the process.

Nature

An Outline of Abnormal Psychology.

Nature

Outline of our screening strategy.

Nature

The outline of some small African nation.

The New Yorker

Outline of his life and work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outline of" in academic writing, ensure it accurately reflects the subsequent content and provides a clear roadmap for the reader.

Common error

Avoid making your "outline of" too granular. The purpose is to provide a general overview, not to preemptively delve into minute details, which should be reserved for the main body of your work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outline of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that introduces a summary or a plan. It sets the stage for a more detailed explanation or description, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples which show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outline of" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce a summary, plan, or overview. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it's used across a range of contexts, from informal wiki articles to formal academic papers. The phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, making it suitable for a wide array of writing tasks. Common related phrases include "summary of" and "overview of". Remember to use "outline of" to provide a clear roadmap for your readers, but avoid making the outline too detailed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-established and effective in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overview of

Provides a general view or survey, without delving into specifics.

summary of

Focuses on a concise version of the main points, highlighting brevity.

synopsis of

Implies a condensed overview, particularly of a plot or narrative.

sketch of

Suggests a basic or preliminary representation, often lacking detail.

rundown of

Offers an informal presentation of information.

framework for

Emphasizes the structure or supporting elements of a plan or system.

blueprint for

Signifies a detailed plan or design, often used in technical contexts.

plan for

Highlights the arrangement of elements to reach an objective.

draft of

Suggests a preliminary version that is subject to change.

abstract of

Refers to a concise summary of a research paper or academic work.

FAQs

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

You can use "outline of" to introduce a summary or plan. For example, "Here is an "outline of" the project's key milestones" or "The "outline of" the book provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered".

What are some alternatives to "outline of"?

Alternatives to "outline of" include "summary of", "overview of", or "synopsis of", depending on the specific context and level of detail you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "outline of" in formal writing?

"Outline of" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to present a structured overview or plan. This is useful for academic papers, business proposals, or any document where clarity and organization are essential.

What's the difference between "outline of" and "sketch of"?

"Outline of" suggests a more structured and organized overview, while "sketch of" implies a more preliminary and less detailed representation. The former is more suitable for formal contexts, while the latter can be used in more informal or preliminary discussions.