a careful list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a careful list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a list that has been created with attention to detail or thoroughness. Example: "Before the meeting, I prepared a careful list of all the topics we needed to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mrs. Wahlstrom has begun making a careful list of new friends in the New York region, a place she has never been.

The New York Times

They got thorough information about them from the nurse, staff and relatives and were provided with a careful list regarding medications.

BMC Family Practice

Prepare a careful list of any operational problems or steps necessary to start, stop, or drive your vehicle on and off of the trailer.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Overall, a careful, reliable list.

Forbes

In many cases, the ID reported by UniProtKB corresponded to an entire genome, forcing a careful ID list inspection to extract the CDS that matched the correct amino acid sequence reported in the PDB entry.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Careful list management will help you and many others.

Huffington Post

They've risked the magazine's well-established reputation for careful list making by attaching its name to this dreck.

Huffington Post

If there's any company that should be worried, its U.S. News & World report, which risks its well-established reputation for careful list making by attaching its name to this dreck.

Huffington Post

Because services and costs vary from place to place, keep careful lists as you call each facility.

The New York Times

To keep track of the world's dangers, he makes careful lists in separate notebooks of "Things That Can Hurt You" and "Things to Be Afraid Of". Another unexpected kiss, from a neighbor stuck in an unhappy marriage (Miriam Shor), releases Steve from his numbness into the sweeter wounds of the world.

The New York Times

In addition to literary ore, the archive offers a picture of an all-purpose do-it-yourself man of letters who typed his own manuscripts, designed his own book jackets, chose type faces and binding cloth and kept careful lists of corrections (down to errant accent marks) for new editions of his work.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating documentation or instructions, use "a careful list" to ensure all necessary steps or items are included and clearly presented, reducing potential errors or omissions.

Common error

Avoid the pitfall of creating a superficial or incomplete list. When using "a careful list", make sure to conduct thorough research and verification to guarantee the accuracy and relevance of each item included.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a careful list" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It emphasizes the quality of the list, highlighting that it has been created with precision and attention to detail. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a careful list" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that emphasizes the thoroughness and precision of a list. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not overly common, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, to convey that the list has been compiled with significant attention to detail. Alternative phrases like "a detailed list" or "a thorough list" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure the list truly reflects a high degree of accuracy and completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meticulous list

Emphasizes the extreme attention to detail and precision.

a detailed list

Highlights the presence of comprehensive and thorough information.

a thorough list

Focuses on the completeness and exhaustiveness of the list.

a comprehensive list

Stresses the list's inclusion of all relevant elements.

a well-prepared list

Indicates that the list was created with forethought and organization.

a thoughtfully compiled list

Highlights the consideration and intention behind creating the list.

an accurate list

Focuses on the correctness and reliability of the information presented.

a precise list

Emphasizes the exactness and clarity of the details in the list.

a diligently created list

Highlights the effort and care put into the creation of the list.

a cautiously assembled list

Implies that the elements of the list were selected with caution and consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a careful list" to describe a list that has been created with attention to detail and accuracy. For example, "The auditor prepared "a careful list" of all outstanding invoices."

What are some alternatives to saying "a careful list"?

Alternatives include "a detailed list", "a thorough list", or "a meticulous list". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a careful list", given that lists are typically intended to be accurate?

While lists are generally meant to be accurate, using "a careful list" emphasizes the extra diligence and attention to detail that went into its creation, particularly in contexts where accuracy is paramount.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a careful list"?

It's most appropriate when you want to highlight the effort and precision involved in creating the list, especially when accuracy and completeness are critical. For example, in medical diagnoses, financial audits, or legal documentation.