sketching out

USAGE SUMMARY

"sketching out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean planning or outlining a concept, idea, or plan. For example, "I'm in the process of sketching out a strategy for how to approach the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So what is the vision for Britain that Cameron is sketching out?

The Guardian - Opinion

But he is being pulled away from sketching out a rosy future to explaining the past.

The New York Times

Where they are less convincing is in sketching out how these policies will be effected.

The Guardian - Books

So he starting sketching out an autobiography, filling 800 notebook pages.

The New York Times - Books

I wrote at speed for three days, filling two notebooks, sketching out scenes.

The New Yorker

He is also sketching out a science-fiction novel he hopes to write.

The New York Times - Tech

"I tell you what I'm gonna do," he promises, before sketching out his ideas.

The New York Times

Prototyping was an important part of the process, and started with sketching out plans on paper.

The Guardian - Tech

Criticism and directing were, in the end, just different ways of sketching out films.

The Guardian - Film

The room was full of foreign entrepreneurs, huddled over laptops or sketching out business plans on whiteboards.

The New York Times - Tech

While sketching out the narrative, Franken held brainstorming sessions with Ornstein, Grunwald, and the Newsweek columnist and editor Howard Fineman.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sketching out" when you want to convey the initial stages of planning or design, suggesting a preliminary and flexible approach. For example, "The team is sketching out the user interface for the new mobile app."

Common error

While "sketching out" is widely accepted, in very formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "drafting", "planning", or "outlining" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sketching out" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used transitively. It describes the action of creating a preliminary plan, design, or outline. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it is used in contexts such as sketching out business plans, novels, or constitutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sketching out" is a common and widely accepted phrasal verb that signifies the act of creating a preliminary plan or outline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required for your writing and to opt for more precise alternatives like "outlining" or "drafting" when necessary. The phrase enjoys high source quality and expert rating, reflecting its reliable and consistent application in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outlining

Focuses on creating a structured overview or summary.

drafting

Implies creating a preliminary version of a document or plan.

planning

Emphasizes the act of devising a strategy or course of action.

laying out

Suggests arranging or presenting something in a clear and organized manner.

mapping out

Highlights the process of creating a detailed plan or visual representation.

blocking out

Focuses on defining the basic structure or arrangement.

roughing out

Implies creating a preliminary, unrefined version.

charting

Suggests planning a route or course.

schematizing

Emphasizes creating a schematic representation or diagram.

delineating

Highlights the act of defining or describing something precisely.

FAQs

What does "sketching out" mean?

"Sketching out" means creating a rough draft or outline of something, like a plan, idea, or design. It implies a preliminary stage where details are not yet finalized.

How can I use "sketching out" in a sentence?

You can use "sketching out" in sentences like: "The architect is sketching out the blueprints for the new building", or "We're sketching out a marketing strategy for the upcoming product launch".

What can I say instead of "sketching out"?

You can use alternatives like "outlining", "drafting", or "planning" depending on the context.

Is "sketching out" formal or informal?

"Sketching out" is generally considered neutral to informal. While widely used and understood, it might be best to use more formal alternatives like "planning" or "designing" in highly formal contexts.