were outlined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were outlined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been described or detailed in a previous context, often in a formal or academic setting. Example: "The main objectives of the project were outlined in the initial proposal submitted to the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His teeth were outlined in black, like a cartoon".

The New York Times - Books

Their commitments were outlined in individual letters explaining their reasons.

The New York Times

Hall listened as the fresh charges were outlined.

Independent

Results were outlined by Bernd Kromer of Heidelberg (Ger).

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New York Times

The aims of vocational qualifications were outlined in a government report published in 1986.

The Guardian

The president's proposals were outlined this week; two reform bills are currently with Congress.

The Guardian

The payments were outlined in settlement documents filed in US district court in Virginia.

The Guardian - Books

The bare trees on the ridge above us were outlined like black lace against the twilight.

The New Yorker

According to Dr. Steven M. Levy, what improvements were outlined in the report?

The New York Times

And, of course, the circular patterns were outlined in Mrs. Molinari's favorite shimmering crystals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were outlined" when you want to indicate that specific details or plans have been presented, especially in a formal context. Ensure that the subject to which the phrase refers is clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "were outlined" in overly casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "were shown" or "were talked about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were outlined" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received the action of being described or detailed. Ludwig highlights its use in various contexts, showcasing its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were outlined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase, as indicated by Ludwig. It serves to communicate that details of something have been presented in a structured or planned manner. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, making it suitable for formal and informative writing. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in overly casual settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing the phrase's proper usage and various alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were described

Replaces "outlined" with a more general term for explaining something.

were detailed

Suggests a more thorough and comprehensive explanation than "outlined".

were specified

Emphasizes that something was precisely stated or identified.

were presented

Focuses on the act of showing or making something known.

were indicated

Highlights that something was pointed out or suggested.

were summarized

Implies a condensed version of a larger body of information.

were sketched

Suggests a brief or preliminary description.

were drafted

Emphasizes the creation of a preliminary version or plan.

were adumbrated

Uses a more formal term to suggest a foreshadowing or vague presentation.

were delineated

Implies a precise and clear demarcation or description.

FAQs

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

Use "were outlined" to indicate that something has been described or detailed, such as "The project's goals "were outlined" in the proposal".

What are some alternatives to "were outlined"?

You can use alternatives like "were described", "were detailed", or "were specified" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was outlined" instead of "were outlined"?

"Was outlined" is used with a singular subject, while "were outlined" is used with a plural subject. For example, "The plan was outlined," but "The plans "were outlined"".

What's the difference between "were outlined" and "were discussed"?

"Were outlined" implies that something was presented with specific details, whereas "were discussed" simply means that something was talked about without necessarily providing detailed information.