they were outlined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were outlined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been described or defined in detail, often in a formal or structured context. Example: "In the report, the main objectives of the project were outlined clearly for all stakeholders to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They were outlined in an F.C.C. news release on Tuesday.

The New York Times

When they were outlined for Mr. Johnson, the cantankerous diabetic, he said he had no intention of participating.

The New York Times

Google's approach, however, does fit closely with the values of the company as they were outlined in the founders' preface.

The New York Times

They were outlined at a briefing for reporters by senior officials of the National Intelligence Council, which reports to Mr. Negroponte.

The New York Times

They were outlined by President Venustiano Carranza more than ten years before the creation of the Partido Nacional Revolucionario that, in 1946, became the PRI.

The Economist

They denied any illegality in the revamping of functions and said the changes should not have surprised Mr. O'Shea because they were outlined in a plan released in April.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

During a standard life-story interview, people describe phases of their lives as if they were outlining chapters, from the sandlot years through adolescence and middle age.

The New York Times - Health

The scary advice came when they were outlining strategies on how to get your first deal done.

Huffington Post

They are outlined by international relations scholar John Mearsheimer in the leading US establishment journal, Foreign Affairs.

The Guardian

They are outlined as follows.

Journal of Economic Structures

They are outlined in the following subsections.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were outlined", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what 'they' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "they were outlined" when referring to something only partially described. The phrase implies a comprehensive overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were outlined" typically functions as part of the passive voice, indicating that something or some ideas were described or presented in detail. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as news reports, scientific articles, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were outlined" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that certain items or concepts have been described in detail. According to Ludwig, it functions as part of the passive voice and is frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by explicitly specifying what "they" refers to and avoiding its use for incomplete descriptions. Alternatives include "they were detailed" or "they were described". Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were detailed

This alternative replaces 'outlined' with 'detailed', focusing on a thorough presentation of information.

they were described

This option uses 'described' instead of 'outlined', providing a general account of something.

they were specified

This substitutes 'outlined' with 'specified', emphasizing a clear and precise definition.

they were presented

This replaces 'outlined' with 'presented', indicating a formal introduction or display of information.

they were delineated

This uses 'delineated' instead of 'outlined', highlighting the marking of boundaries or limits in detail.

they were laid out

This option replaces 'outlined' with 'laid out', emphasizing a clear and organized presentation.

they were charted

This substitute 'outlined' with 'charted', emphasizing the systematic recording of progress or position of something.

they were planned

This uses 'planned' instead of 'outlined', highlighting the scheduling of a particular task.

they were sketched

This replace 'outlined' with 'sketched', emphasizing giving the main features of something.

they were mapped out

This alternative replaces 'outlined' with 'mapped out', indicating the planning or arrangement of something in detail.

FAQs

How can I use "they were outlined" in a sentence?

Use "they were outlined" when you want to indicate that certain aspects or plans have been described in detail. For example: "The project's goals "were outlined" in the proposal."

What are some alternatives to "they were outlined"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "they were described", "they were detailed", or "they were specified" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the plan was outlined" or "they were outlined"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the plan was outlined" is used when referring to a singular plan, while "they were outlined" is used when referring to multiple items or aspects. Choose the form that agrees with the subject.

What's the difference between "they were outlined" and "they were summarized"?

"They were outlined" implies a more detailed explanation or description, while "they were summarized" indicates a brief overview. Use "they were outlined" when comprehensive details are provided, and "they were summarized" when only the main points are mentioned.