outline whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outline whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to describe or summarize the conditions or possibilities regarding a particular topic or question. Example: "In your report, please outline whether the new policy will have a positive impact on employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It will disappoint many that someone with such controversial views on issues like gay rights and climate change is involved in gagging charities from speaking out about Europe," she said, calling the commission to outline whether Shawcross was involved in drawing up the guidance.

The Guardian

Hodge called on the commission to outline whether Shawcross was involved in drawing up the guidance, saying: "It will disappoint many that someone with such controversial views on issues like gay rights and climate change is involved in gagging charities from speaking out about Europe".

The Guardian

Mr Duncan Smith told the committee that the bill would outline whether benefits such as carer's allowance would be included, adding that the publication of these details was imminent.

BBC

We could not outline whether the differences in disclosure status are associated with cultural factors or other characteristics that were not included in this study.

Plosone

The granulomas were evaluated for presence or absence of necrosis, distinct lymphocyte cuff, to outline whether well-circumscribed or non-circumscribed and for calcification and asteroid bodies.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

It is not possible to outline whether this is a case of reduced accessibility, but it is likely that procedures leading to more overnight stays are less available at these institutions.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The officials stopped short of outlining whether people would face criminal charges in the case, which is being investigated by Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morganthau.

The New York Times

Each MP was issued with a letter outlining whether they were required to make any repayments, with some seen in the Commons mail room tearing up their notes in frustration at the way Sir Thomas had gone about his audit.

Independent

The commitment represents only a fraction of the $10 billion a year that Toyota spends on material for its North American plants, and it was unclear from the plan outlined whether the automaker was substantially altering earlier commitments to diversify its work force and increase its spending with minority suppliers.

The New York Times

It's a place where women toil over their birth plans as if they were drafting legal contracts, forcefully outlining whether or not they want their babies kept in the room, given formula — such documents are the bulwarks against the medical push-back that New York women have come to expect.

The New York Times

Significant decisions made by this project team in developing this methodology are now outlined: Whether a generic self-management program would meet the needs of this population was an issue.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outline whether" when you need to clearly present the different options or conditions related to a decision or plan. For example: "The report should "outline whether" additional funding is required for the project."

Common error

Avoid using "outline whether" excessively in highly formal documents. Consider using stronger, more direct verbs like "determine" or "specify" for enhanced clarity and impact. For example, instead of "outline whether" in a legal document, opt for "establish whether".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outline whether" functions as a connector introducing a question or condition that needs to be clarified or examined. It combines the action of "outlining", which implies structuring information, with the conditional aspect of "whether", suggesting multiple possibilities. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

42%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outline whether" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a question exploring different possibilities or conditions. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources and serves to present information in a structured manner. While it's generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "determine whether" in highly professional contexts. Remember to use "outline whether" when presenting multiple options related to a plan or decision, and be mindful of overusing it in excessively formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine if

Focuses on the act of finding out or establishing a condition.

specify if

Focuses on making something explicit or definite, shifting from a general plan to a specific condition.

establish whether

Highlights the act of setting up or proving a condition.

indicate if

Emphasizes a clear sign or signal about a condition, rather than a structured presentation.

ascertain whether

Implies a more formal and thorough investigation to find out if a condition is true.

detail if

Shifts the emphasis to providing comprehensive information about a condition.

clarify if

Concentrates on making a condition clearer and more understandable.

define if

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or scope of a condition.

show if

Emphasizes the act of visually demonstrating or proving a condition.

present whether

Implies displaying or introducing a condition to be considered.

FAQs

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

You can use "outline whether" to introduce a question about different possibilities or conditions. For example: "The proposal must "outline whether" the new features comply with existing regulations."

What's a more formal alternative to "outline whether"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "determine whether" or "ascertain whether" for a more precise and professional tone.

Is it always necessary to use "whether" after "outline"?

While "outline whether" is a common phrasing, it's not always mandatory. You can also use "outline" followed by a direct statement or plan without using "whether", depending on the context. However, "outline whether" is useful when presenting multiple possibilities.

What's the difference between "describe if" and "outline whether"?

"Describe if" generally refers to providing details about a situation, whereas "outline whether" is more about presenting different options or conditions for a decision or plan.