rough outline

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough outline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a general plan or structure for a project. For example, "I created a rough outline for the presentation, so we can begin to build on it from there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They varied in details while agreeing on a rough outline.

The New York Times

The rough outline of the plan goes something like this.

The New York Times

The rough outline doesn't need to get too detailed.

University of California, Berkeley

The board has decided on the rough outline of how the business should proceed.

The Guardian

By May, Greenwald had received enough examples to construct a rough outline of the film.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is possible to assemble a rough outline of Girl Band's sound from this chatter.

The Guardian - Music

The document is a rough outline of agency expenses and expected capital spending for the year.

The New York Times

Then I saw the gaping hole, with the rough outline of a plane.

The New York Times

In its rough outline, "Catch a Fire" has all the makings of a gripping tale.

The New York Times

Such might be a rough outline of the two parts of Shakespeare's Henry IV.

The Guardian

Think of the menu, Ms. Vélez suggested, as a rough outline.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough outline" to set expectations that the plan is preliminary and not fully detailed.

Common error

Avoid treating a "rough outline" as a final plan. Ensure stakeholders understand that it requires further refinement and detailing before execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough outline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a preliminary version of a plan or structure, lacking specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough outline" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a preliminary plan or structure. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. The phrase conveys that the plan is not yet fully developed and is open to further refinement. When using "rough outline", ensure that your audience understands its preliminary nature to avoid misunderstandings. Consider using alternative phrases like "basic plan" or "initial draft" depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid treating a "rough outline" as a final, ready-to-implement plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic plan

Focuses on the fundamental planning aspect, omitting the implication of incompleteness.

preliminary sketch

Emphasizes the initial, undeveloped nature of the plan, similar to a drawing.

initial draft

Highlights the early stage of development, particularly in written contexts.

general framework

Focuses on the structural aspect, suggesting a broader, less detailed arrangement.

working draft

Implies that the outline is currently being developed and is subject to change.

skeleton plan

Evokes the image of a basic structure with minimal details, suggesting a core framework.

bare bones structure

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of detail in the initial framework.

provisional plan

Suggests that the plan is subject to revision and not yet finalized.

cursory overview

Highlights the brief and superficial nature of the outline.

crude design

Emphasizes the lack of refinement and potential for improvement in the design.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough outline" to describe an initial plan or sketch, such as: "I created a "rough outline" of the project before starting the detailed work." or "The presentation will give you a "rough outline" of our marketing strategy.

What's a good alternative to "rough outline"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "rough outline" include "basic plan", "preliminary sketch", or "initial draft".

What does "rough outline" mean?

"Rough outline" refers to a basic or preliminary plan that lacks details and is subject to change. It's often used to describe the early stages of planning or design.

Is it appropriate to present a "rough outline" to stakeholders?

Yes, presenting a "rough outline" is appropriate as long as you communicate that it is a preliminary version and is open to feedback and further development. It helps to set expectations and provide a general direction.