outlined to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outlined to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to indicate that something has been explained or detailed to someone, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The project details were outlined to the team during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The steps outlined to achieve 2C are "hardly rocket science".

The Guardian

Abstract and horrendously difficult questions are asked, often not outlined to teachers in the specification.

The Guardian

WPP's strategy will be outlined to large investors in June at its annual shareholder meeting.

The Guardian - Business

My job is to deliver on the strategy we have outlined to shareholders with their support".

The Guardian - Business

Back then, he outlined to his clients a new strategy for dealing with diminishing salmon runs.

The New York Times

He outlined to The Observer a typical series of meetings – up to four a day.

The Guardian - Money

He outlined to a rapt audience his "quotations from Chairman Chin".

The New York Times

Assange leaned forward and listened intently as the case against him was outlined to the court.

Independent

Verizon previously outlined to investors how these plans would help it make more money.

The New York Times

Santos outlined to the Association of Chief Police Officers how lives were lost in the illegal cocaine trade in Colombia.

The Guardian

Evidence from former pupils was outlined to the court, but a judge ruled it should not go before jurors.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you aim to convey that something was explained or detailed to someone, consider using more direct and grammatically accepted alternatives like "explained to" or "presented to" instead of "outlined to".

Common error

Avoid using "outlined to" as it's grammatically awkward. It's often misused when intending to say something was explained or presented. Use a more standard construction such as, "The plan was explained to them" or "The project was presented to the board".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outlined to" functions as a verb phrase, suggesting an action of presenting or detailing something to someone. However, it's important to note, as Ludwig AI points out, that it's not considered standard English and is grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "outlined to" is frequently used, especially in News & Media and Science contexts, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. The intention is typically to convey that something was explained or presented in a structured manner. However, due to its non-standard nature, it's best to opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "explained to", "presented to", or "detailed to", especially in formal settings. By choosing clearer and more precise language, you can ensure effective communication and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explained in detail to

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the explanation, beyond a simple outline.

explained to

Focuses on making something understandable, differing from "outlined to" which implies a structured presentation.

presented a plan to

Highlights the formal presentation of a structured plan, versus a less formal outline.

presented to

Emphasizes the act of showing or introducing something, rather than detailing it.

detailed to

Highlights the thoroughness of the information provided, unlike "outlined to" which can be a more high-level overview.

described to

Focuses on providing a verbal account, less structured than an outline.

specified to

Indicates a precise and explicit communication, contrasting with a potentially broader "outline".

illustrated to

Emphasizes the use of examples and visual aids to clarify information.

communicated to

Focuses on the act of conveying information, without necessarily implying a detailed plan.

indicated to

Suggests a less direct form of communication, hinting at rather than explicitly detailing.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "outlined to"?

Consider using alternatives like "explained to", "presented to", or "detailed to" depending on the context.

Is "outlined to" considered grammatically correct in formal writing?

While "outlined to" appears in various texts, it's not considered standard English. Opt for more conventional phrases to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, especially in formal writing.

How can I use "explained to" instead of "outlined to" in a sentence?

Instead of saying "The proposal was outlined to the team", you can say "The proposal was explained to the team". This provides a clearer and more grammatically acceptable construction.

What's the difference between "outlined to" and "described to"?

"Outlined to" implies a structured presentation of key points, while "described to" suggests a more general account or explanation. If you're presenting a structured overview, consider a more direct alternative to "outlined to"; if you're providing a general explanation, "described to" might be more appropriate, but ensure your sentence is grammatically sound.