outlines of

USAGE SUMMARY

"outlines of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the general features of something, for example, "The outline of the plan was discussed at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The outlines of a deal are discernible.

The Economist

Writers present revised outlines of their stories.

The Guardian

The outlines of that deal survive today.

The Economist

Already, outlines of consolidation are discernible.

The New York Times

The outlines of the challenge are clear.

The New York Times

I knew the outlines of the story.

The Guardian

The evolving estimates show the outlines of an epidemic.

The New York Times - Books

In the outlines of this plan I am not alone.

The New York Times

The basic outlines of today's vote had been expected.

The New York Times

Portraying the outlines of that knowledge is a daunting task.

The New York Times

The outlines of a deal are already on the table.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outlines of", consider the context. It can refer to physical shapes (e.g., "outlines of buildings") or abstract concepts (e.g., "outlines of a plan").

Common error

Avoid using "outlines of" when you need to describe something with precision. This phrase is best for general descriptions, not for technical specifications. If precision is needed, move beyond the "general aspects of" and delve into the specifics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outlines of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, typically modifying a noun to indicate a general description or summary. It describes the basic form or structure of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outlines of" is a prepositional phrase used to provide a general overview or summary. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. It's essential to use this phrase when a broad understanding is needed, avoiding it when specific details are required. Consider alternatives like ""general aspects of"" or ""main features of"" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Ludwig examples show that "outlines of" can be used to discuss both physical forms and abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gist of

Captures the essence or main point.

main features of

Emphasizes the key characteristics or elements.

basic structure of

Highlights the fundamental arrangement or framework.

overall picture of

Presents a comprehensive but not necessarily detailed view.

general aspects of

Focuses on the overarching aspects rather than a detailed view.

essential elements of

Points to the most crucial components.

broad strokes of

Describes the general form without specific details.

preliminary sketch of

Suggests an initial, undeveloped representation.

rough draft of

Implies an unfinished and approximate version.

shape of

Refers to the external form or appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "outlines of" to introduce a general overview or description, such as "The "basic structure of" the project was presented", or "We discussed the "main features of" the new policy".

What phrases are similar to "outlines of"?

Similar phrases include ""general aspects of"", ""main features of"", and "gist of". Each carries a slightly different nuance, but they all refer to a general understanding or description.

Is it better to say "outlines of the plan" or "details of the plan"?

It depends on the context. "Outlines of the plan" suggests a general overview, while "details of the plan" implies a more specific and in-depth examination. Use "essential elements of the plan" when you want to provide a broad understanding without diving into specifics, reserving the "details" for a more granular discussion.

Can "outlines of" refer to both physical and abstract concepts?

Yes, "outlines of" can be used in both contexts. For physical objects, it describes the shape or form, such as "the outlines of the mountains". For abstract concepts, it refers to the general structure or idea, like "broad strokes of the argument".