B2 Expression Formal 3 min de lectura

As outlined in

Formal business communication expression

Use this to professionally reference a written plan or document to ensure everyone is on the same page.

En 15 segundos

  • References a specific document or plan.
  • Used to show where information comes from.
  • Common in business, legal, and academic writing.

Significado

This phrase is used to point someone toward a specific plan, document, or set of instructions that was already created. It's like saying, 'Just like it says in the rules.'

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

In a project meeting

As outlined in the project charter, we need to finish by Friday.

As outlined in the project charter, we need to finish by Friday.

💼
2

Planning a trip with friends

As outlined in my itinerary, we visit the museum at 10 AM.

As outlined in my itinerary, we visit the museum at 10 AM.

🤝
3

A formal email to a client

The fees are exactly as outlined in our initial proposal.

The fees are exactly as outlined in our initial proposal.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase is deeply rooted in the Western 'contract culture' where written agreements are king. It became a staple of corporate English in the mid-20th century as businesses became more bureaucratic. Using it signals that you are a professional who respects the 'paper trail'.

💡

The 'Gentle Nudge'

Use this phrase to remind a coworker of a rule without sounding like you are attacking them personally. It puts the 'blame' on the document, not you!

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this phrase five times in one email, you will sound like a legal robot. Try to mix it up with 'as mentioned' or 'according to'.

En 15 segundos

  • References a specific document or plan.
  • Used to show where information comes from.
  • Common in business, legal, and academic writing.

What It Means

Imagine you have a map. You point to a line and say, 'Follow this.' That is exactly what as outlined in does. It points to a plan or a list. It tells people where to find the details. It is like saying 'Look at the instructions.' Think of an outline as a skeleton. It is the basic shape of an idea. When you use this phrase, you are pointing to that skeleton. You are telling your listener, 'The structure is already there.' It is a way to reference a plan without repeating every single word. It is very handy when you want to be brief. You are basically saying, 'See that document? That is our guide.'

How To Use It

This phrase usually starts a sentence or a clause. You follow it with a specific source. This source is usually a noun. For example, as outlined in the report. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence. 'We will follow the steps as outlined in the guide.' It acts like a bridge. It connects your current action to a previous agreement. It makes your writing feel very solid and grounded. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just name the document or the conversation after the phrase. It is straightforward and very effective.

When To Use It

This is a superstar phrase for the office. Use it in emails to keep things clear. It is great for project managers. If someone asks why a task is late, point to the schedule. 'As outlined in the timeline, we have two days left.' It is also perfect for legal documents or school essays. It keeps everyone accountable. Use it when you want to sound like an expert who knows the facts. It is great for giving instructions or explaining a decision. It shows you are organized.

When NOT To Use It

Keep this away from your romantic dates or casual hangouts. Saying 'As outlined in my profile, I like long walks' is a bit robotic. It might kill the mood! Also, avoid it when the information is totally obvious. If you are holding a pizza, don't say 'As outlined in the box, this is pepperoni.' It feels too stiff for casual moments. Use it when the reference actually matters for the conversation. Don't use it with toddlers either. They don't care about your outlines!

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking workplaces, 'getting it in writing' is a big deal. It provides a sense of security and clarity. This phrase is a tool for that culture. It reflects a desire for order. It comes from a history of legal and bureaucratic precision. By using it, you show you value the 'official' version of things. It is a very Western way of staying organized. It shows you respect the plan that the team created together.

Common Variations

If you want to sound slightly different, try as stated in. That is very direct. As set forth in is even more formal. It sounds like a judge speaking. For something softer, try as suggested in. This gives people more room to breathe and feels less like a command. As highlighted in is great if you want to focus on one specific part. Each variation changes the 'flavor' of your sentence slightly. Choose the one that fits your mood.

Notas de uso

This phrase is a hallmark of professional writing. It is highly formal and should be used when you want to appear organized, authoritative, and clear.

💡

The 'Gentle Nudge'

Use this phrase to remind a coworker of a rule without sounding like you are attacking them personally. It puts the 'blame' on the document, not you!

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this phrase five times in one email, you will sound like a legal robot. Try to mix it up with 'as mentioned' or 'according to'.

💬

The Power of the Outline

In US business culture, an 'outline' is seen as a commitment. Referencing it shows you take your promises seriously.

Ejemplos

6
#1 In a project meeting
💼

As outlined in the project charter, we need to finish by Friday.

As outlined in the project charter, we need to finish by Friday.

Points to the official project document for a deadline.

#2 Planning a trip with friends
🤝

As outlined in my itinerary, we visit the museum at 10 AM.

As outlined in my itinerary, we visit the museum at 10 AM.

A bit formal for friends, but shows you are the organized leader.

#3 A formal email to a client
👔

The fees are exactly as outlined in our initial proposal.

The fees are exactly as outlined in our initial proposal.

Uses the phrase to confirm pricing based on a previous document.

#4 Texting a roommate about chores
😄

As outlined in our 'Roommate Pact,' it's your turn to do dishes!

As outlined in our 'Roommate Pact,' it's your turn to do dishes!

Using formal language for a mundane task to be funny.

#5 Discussing a breakup or serious talk
💭

I just want the respect that was outlined in our talk last night.

I just want the respect that was outlined in our talk last night.

References a previous emotional agreement.

#6 Following a recipe
😊

Mix the ingredients as outlined in step three of the cookbook.

Mix the ingredients as outlined in step three of the cookbook.

Directly references a specific instruction.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best word to complete the professional sentence.

Please complete the task ___ outlined in the employee handbook.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: as

The standard phrase is 'as outlined in'. 'Like' is too casual, and 'so' is grammatically incorrect here.

Which noun best fits after the phrase in a business context?

We must follow the safety protocols as outlined in the ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: manual

An 'outline' usually refers to a document like a manual, report, or plan.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Spectrum of Referencing Information

Casual

Talking to friends

Like I said before...

Neutral

Standard communication

As mentioned in the text...

Formal

Business or legal

As outlined in the contract...

Where to use 'As outlined in'

As outlined in
⚖️

Legal Contracts

As outlined in Section 4...

📝

Office Memos

As outlined in the memo...

🎓

School Syllabus

As outlined in the course goals...

🛠️

Instruction Manuals

As outlined in the assembly guide...

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means to give a summary or the main points of something. In this phrase, it implies the details are already written down in a structured way.

Yes, but mostly in meetings or formal discussions. In a casual chat, it might sound a bit too stiff or 'work-like'.

They are similar, but as outlined in specifically refers to a plan or a structured document. According to can refer to a person's opinion or a single fact.

Usually, we use in for documents, reports, and emails. You might use on for a specific page or a website, like as outlined on page five.

Absolutely! It is a standard phrase in global business English, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.

You could say like it says in or as I mentioned in. These are much better for texting friends.

Yes! You can say as outlined in the presentation or as outlined in his speech.

Usually, yes. It implies there is some sort of visual or structured reference people can look at.

Not at all. It is very polite and professional. However, if used during an argument, it can feel a bit cold or clinical.

The most common mistake is forgetting the as. People sometimes just say outlined in the report, which is a fragment and not a full thought.

Frases relacionadas

As specified in

Used when referring to very exact requirements or details.

As detailed in

Used when the reference contains a lot of thorough information.

As mentioned previously

A way to refer back to something said earlier in a conversation.

In accordance with

A very formal way to say you are following a rule or law.

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!

Empieza a aprender idiomas gratis

Empieza Gratis