outlines how

USAGE SUMMARY

"outlines how" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You use it to introduce the way in which something works or is done. For example: "This article outlines how to properly write an essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patrick Carter of Digital Folio outlines how the application works.

The New York Times

Mr. Tanaka outlines how it's done in his book.

The New York Times

A free planning guide outlines how to host an event in your community.

The New York Times

Another sheet in the summons outlines how to save their property.

The New York Times

A detailed budget breakdown outlines how the money will be spent.

The Guardian

Wadhams outlines how CO2 emissions are smashing the system, spinning the thermostat to hot.

The Guardian - Books

The article outlines how government officials are not always responsive to ethnic newspaper reporters.

The New York Times

In the report, Saferworld outlines how this played out in the 2009 Sri Lankan civil war.

The Guardian

Some of the freshest material outlines how G.E. responded to the advent of the Internet.

The New York Times

Our policy outlines how governments must do more to protect sex workers from violations and abuse.

The Guardian

However, the Data Protection Act (DPA) outlines how organisations should handle personal information securely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outlines how", ensure that the subsequent explanation is clear and concise. Use bullet points or numbered lists to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "outlines how" without providing sufficient detail. Ensure that the outline offers concrete steps or explanations, rather than generalities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outlines how" functions as a verb phrase introducing an explanation or description of a process, method, or series of steps. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. The examples provided demonstrate its use in academic, news, and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outlines how" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse writing styles. It serves to introduce explanations of processes or methods and maintains a relatively neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples highlights its widespread application, particularly in scientific, news, and business-related content, confirming its acceptability and versatility. Use "outlines how" to present clear, structured explanations, and you'll be on the right track.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

details how

Focuses on providing specific information and particulars about a process.

explains how

Emphasizes making the process understandable.

describes how

Offers a depiction of the process, focusing on its key features.

specifies how

Indicates a set of explicit requirements or instructions.

indicates how

Suggests a way or method, often less detailed than "outlines how".

demonstrates how

Shows by example or evidence the way a process works.

illustrates how

Uses examples to clarify a process or method.

elucidates how

Clarifies and explains a process, often used in more formal contexts.

presents a method for

Shifts from outlining to explicitly presenting a structured method.

provides a guide on

Offers step-by-step instructions or recommendations.

FAQs

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

You can use "outlines how" to introduce an explanation of a process or method. For example, "The manual "outlines how" to assemble the product".

What are some alternatives to "outlines how"?

Alternatives include "details how", "explains how", and "describes how", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it correct to say "outlines how to"?

While "outlines how" is more direct, "outlines how to" can also be used, especially when followed by a verb. For example, "The document "outlines how to" implement the new policy".

What's the difference between "outlines how" and "summarizes how"?

"Outlines how" suggests a structural explanation of a process, whereas "summarizes how" provides a condensed version of an already known process. Choose based on whether you're detailing steps or offering a summary.