sketch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sketch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a rough drawing or outline of something, often to convey an idea or concept visually. Example: "Before we start the project, I would like you to sketch your ideas on paper to help us visualize the final product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With only an outline sketch of an agreement on the table, many of Europe's most senior policymakers are of the opinion that a crisis point will be reached and that Athens's radical left Syriza government will be forced to either capitulate to Brussels or quit the euro.

The Guardian

This summer, she put out a sketch of a song on SoundCloud – but still there's no album.

The Guardian

His big break came when he joined the cast of the TV sketch show In Living Color.

The Guardian - Film

Andy Burnham, Labour MP for Leigh and shadow health secretary, said Shapps's tweet reminded him of a Harry Enfield sketch depicting a 1930's television presenter.

The Guardian

Miley Cyrus played her in an SNL sketch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sheeps The ex-Footlights sketch team bring to London their high-concept Edinburgh 2014 smash in which they rework the same sketch in myriad styles.

The Guardian

The political sketch writers enjoyed their excursion to Manchester to hear Miliband reveal his manifesto amid the Coronation Street set at the old Granada studios.

The Guardian

He is part of the sketch team Derrick Comedy, whose YouTube clips have accumulated more than 30m views, nearly 9m of which are for a sketch about "bro rape".

The Guardian - Music

Pat, with his (or her) chubby body, fluctuating voice and short, curly hair, was supposed to be the butt of a joke for being unidentifiably male or female, but instead wrested control of every sketch by forcefully confronting anyone who tried to figure out his (or her) gender.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In Gaiman's case, he's even been known to sketch out a rough miniature copy of an issue to guide the artist through its layout.

The Guardian - Books

In it, he starred alongside other financiers, including Icap's Michael Spencer and Clearbrook's Robin Saunders in a sketch where financiers pitched a musical version of The Full Monty to the theatre, only with bankers replacing the steel workers as the talent.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sketch" in technical contexts, ensure the level of detail matches the audience's expectations. A rough sketch is suitable for initial brainstorming, while a more detailed sketch is needed for formal proposals.

Common error

Avoid using "sketch" when a high level of precision is required. A "sketch" implies a preliminary, often incomplete representation, whereas detailed technical drawings demand accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sketch" is as a noun referring to a rough drawing or outline. It also functions as a verb, meaning to make such a drawing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sketch" is a versatile word, functioning both as a noun and a verb, and is widely used to represent a preliminary drawing or outline. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist highlight its reliability. When using "sketch", consider the level of detail required for your audience, and avoid it when high precision is needed. Alternatives like "outline", "draft", and "delineate" can be used based on the specific context to better match the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outline

This term refers to a general plan or essential features without detailed elaboration.

draft

A preliminary version of a piece of writing or drawing.

delineate

This verb means to describe or portray something precisely.

rough drawing

An initial, less detailed drawing of something.

preliminary design

An early design concept that is subject to change.

brief description

A concise account of something.

adumbrate

To indicate faintly or foreshadow.

portray

To depict someone or something in a work of art or literature.

present an outline

To give a summary of the main points.

abstract

A summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject or discipline, and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "sketch" in a sentence?

You can use "sketch" to describe a quick drawing or a brief outline. For example: "He made a quick "sketch" of the landscape" or "The report provides a "sketch" of the company's financial status".

What can I say instead of "sketch"?

You can use alternatives like "outline", "draft", or "delineate" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "sketch"?

"Sketch" is appropriate when referring to something that is not fully detailed or finalized. It is suitable for describing preliminary ideas or rough drafts.

What's the difference between "sketch" and "detailed drawing"?

A "sketch" is a preliminary drawing that lacks fine detail, while a "detailed drawing" is precise and comprehensive. The former is used for initial concepts, and the latter is for finalized representations.