Formulate a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Formulate a list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to create or compile a list of items, ideas, or information. Example: "Please formulate a list of the top ten books you recommend for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A committee of wheels met to formulate a list of non-negotiable demands.

The New Yorker

Thus we formulate a list of banned drugs so that athletes can compete without endangering their health.

The New York Times

I will sit down with the coaches and management staff over the next few days to formulate a list of players to identify but I have been involved with our recruitment and planning to date so that will make things easier".

Independent

Let us formulate a list of problems to be solved in the future.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In striving to formulate a list of the fundamental beliefs of religion from within his theory of principles (which we will explain in the next section), Albo abandons the status quo of similar lists composed by his predecessors.

SEP

Student leaders began to formulate a list of economic and political demands.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Dee and other strikers in South Carolina had formulated a list of demands, which include real wages for private-industry jobs, adequate mental-health care, educational programs, and a reduction in life sentences.

The New Yorker

When significant changes to the plan are indicated, the team formulates a list of actions, decisions, or activities and records the list on the left-hand side of the responsibility chart.

Forbes

We met and formulated a list of Lessons Learned.

HuffPost

So when I start thinking of writing about the implications of war, I've already formulated a list of different thoughts you might be thinking.

Huffington Post

Formulating a list of steps for documenting the baby's health parameters.

Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formulate a list" when you want to emphasize that the items on the list are carefully considered and thoughtfully arranged.

Common error

Avoid using "formulate a list" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "make a list" or "create a list" are more appropriate for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate a list" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe the action of creating a list. Ludwig AI highlights its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulate a list" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes the action of creating a list, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is especially suited for formal contexts, such as academic research, news reporting, and business communications. While simpler alternatives like "create a list" exist, "formulate a list" emphasizes careful thought and planning. By understanding its nuances and context-specific suitability, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to communicate with precision and clarity. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects its strong source authority and consistent usage in high-quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compile a list

Focuses on gathering items together into an organized collection.

Create a list

A more general term for making a list, lacking the nuance of careful planning.

Develop a list

Suggests a process of building up a list gradually.

Draw up a list

Implies a formal or official creation of a list.

Prepare a list

Highlights the readiness and anticipation involved in creating the list.

Put together a list

Suggests assembling the list from various sources.

Compose a list

Emphasizes careful and thoughtful creation of a list.

Assemble a list

Highlights the act of gathering components to form a list.

Draft a list

Focuses on the initial, preliminary version of a list.

Determine a list

Highlights reaching a conclusion of what the list should contain.

FAQs

How can I use "formulate a list" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate a list" when you want to create a list of items, ideas, or information. For example: "The committee will formulate a list of recommendations for the new policy."

What's a simpler alternative to "formulate a list"?

If you're looking for a less formal option, you can use phrases like "create a list" or "make a list". These alternatives are more appropriate for casual contexts.

When is it best to use "formulate a list" over other similar phrases?

"Formulate a list" is best used in formal settings where you want to emphasize the careful thought and planning that goes into creating the list, like in reports or strategic documents.

Is it ever incorrect to use "formulate a list"?

While grammatically correct, using "formulate a list" in very informal contexts may sound overly formal. In casual conversation, simpler options like "make a list" are generally preferred.