please outline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please outline" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when requesting a summary or a structured description of a topic or idea. For example, "Please outline the main points of the report." Alternative expressions include "please summarize" and "please describe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The other evening th boy called the teacher at her home; he'd forgotten to get her initials, his father would be home any minute, & would she please outline his work for him over the phone.

The New Yorker

Please outline two aspects!

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

I thought, "I can do that!" Q: Please outline your character for us.

Huffington Post

Please outline, in 500 words or less, the basic tenets of socialism and why you think the PPACA is even remotely related to it.

Huffington Post

Given your lackluster performance so far, please outline why you would be the strongest democratic candidate to run against a tough Republican candidate this fall?" (his answer does not inspire confidence) Bennet's primary opponent, Andrew Romanoff, is a viable alternative who can win the general.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When you get down to less than four minutes and you have more than 2 or 3 sentences to write, make the following notation: "Short of time; please accept outline".

WikiHow

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

The Guardian - Money

Please email your outline to [email protected] by Friday 11 May 2018.

The Guardian

If you do not wish to submit a written outline, please arrive at the class with a clear idea of the project you'd like to write or are already working on.

The Guardian

If the request is "Can you, please send me an outline before drafting the article".

Huffington Post

"Please be specific and outline exactly which section of the dress code I am not complying with".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "please outline" something, be specific about the level of detail you expect. For example, specify whether you need a high-level overview or a more detailed breakdown.

Common error

Avoid expecting a comprehensive explanation when requesting an outline. An outline should provide a structured overview, not an exhaustive analysis. If you need a full explanation, ask for it directly instead of requesting an "outline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please outline" functions as a polite imperative, specifically a request. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to ask someone to provide a structured summary or overview of a topic or document. The inclusion of "please" enhances the politeness of the request.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academic

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please outline" is a common and grammatically sound way to request a structured summary or overview of information. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples highlight its usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. While primarily used for requesting information, understanding the context and level of detail expected is crucial for effective communication. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations regarding scope, and select appropriate alternatives, like "please summarize" or "could you detail", when a different level of explanation is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you summarize

Replaces "outline" with a more general term for condensing information.

could you detail

Substitutes "outline" with a word that emphasizes providing comprehensive information.

summarize the key points

Specifically asks for the most important points to be condensed.

please provide a summary

Rephrases the request using "summary" as a noun and specifying the type of information needed.

please give an overview

Uses "overview" to ask for a general description of the topic.

can you give me the highlights

Asks for the most important or interesting aspects of something.

provide a synopsis

Uses "synopsis", which implies a brief summary of the main points.

could you break it down for me

Requests a simplification or explanation of something complex.

can you walk me through it

Suggests a step-by-step explanation or overview.

give me the essentials

Asks for only the most crucial or fundamental information.

FAQs

What does "please outline" mean?

The phrase "please outline" is a polite way of asking someone to provide a summary or structured overview of a topic, plan, or document. It requests a presentation of the main points in an organized manner.

How is "please outline" different from "please explain"?

"Please outline" asks for a structured overview, while "please explain" asks for a detailed description. An "outline" presents the main points, while an "explanation" provides more in-depth information and context.

What can I say instead of "please outline"?

You can use alternatives like "please summarize", "please give an overview", or "could you detail" depending on the context and the level of detail you need.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "please outline"?

It's appropriate to use "please outline" when you need a concise and organized overview of a topic, plan, or document. Use it when you want the main points presented in a structured format, without excessive detail.