outline what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outline what" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide a summary or a structured description of a specific topic or concept. Example: "In your report, please outline what the main objectives of the project are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outline what these incidents were, as dispassionately as possible.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the officials did outline what happened with the ticket.

The New York Times

Over a drink, he's keen to outline what went wrong.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is simpler to outline what Stokes cannot do.

The Guardian - Sport

There's also a space for you to outline what you'd like to see as a resolution.

The New York Times

"The first process is to outline what are the important criteria," Checketts said.

The New York Times - Sports

I ask Hassabis to outline what he thinks the principal long-term challenges are.

The Guardian - Tech

"We've tried to outline what we mean by adventurous and creative programming," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

We talk on the telephone and then outline what we can do.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is important to outline what the South African constitution says about environmental protection.

The Guardian

Please could you outline what the proposed changes are likely to be?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outline what", ensure you are asking for a structured and organized presentation of information, not just a general description. This helps in receiving clear and concise responses.

Common error

While versatile, "outline what" is more suited to formal or professional settings. Avoid using it excessively in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "explain what" or "describe what" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outline what" functions as an imperative construction used to request someone to provide a structured overview or summary of something. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, this phrase is typically used to elicit a concise and organized explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outline what" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves the purpose of requesting a structured summary or overview, making it particularly useful in professional, academic, and news contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in casual conversations, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC. Remember that while "outline what" seeks structure, other phrases like "describe what" offer less structured explanations. Overall, understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Describe what

Uses a more general verb, focusing on providing details without necessarily implying a structured format.

Explain what

Emphasizes clarifying and making something understandable.

Summarize what

Focuses on providing a concise overview of key points.

Detail what

Highlights the provision of specific details and particulars.

Clarify what

Stresses the removal of ambiguity and making something clear.

Illustrate what

Implies using examples or visuals to explain something.

Present what

Suggests a more formal and structured delivery of information.

Elaborate on what

Focuses on expanding and providing more in-depth information.

Walk through what

Conveys a step-by-step explanation of a process or concept.

Recap what

Implies a brief review of information already discussed.

FAQs

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

Use "outline what" when you want someone to provide a structured overview or the main points of something. For example, "Can you "outline what" the project's objectives are?"

What's the difference between "outline what" and "describe what"?

"Outline what" implies a structured, organized overview, while "describe what" simply asks for details about something without necessarily needing a specific format.

Is "outline what" suitable for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, ""outline what"" is generally more appropriate for formal or professional settings. In casual conversations, alternatives like "explain what" or "what's the gist of" may sound more natural.

What can I say instead of "outline what"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "explain what", "summarize what", or "describe what".