a comprehensive list of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a comprehensive list of" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a detailed and extensive list of items. Example: The teacher provided us with a comprehensive list of books for our literature class, including classic novels and modern works.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brew Wales has a comprehensive list of what's on offer.

The Guardian

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of false positives?

The New Yorker

A comprehensive list of every event in human history.

The Guardian

Instead, staffers suggested, McMaster simply provided a comprehensive list of military options to the President.

The New Yorker

No point in making a comprehensive list of modern-day angelic manifestations; anyone could add more.

The New York Times

For example, you can find a comprehensive list of the Guardian job Twitter feeds here.

The Guardian

It leads to this instruction: "For a comprehensive list of our members' wines, click here".

The New York Times

A comprehensive list of such sites can be found at www.rileyguide.com/jobs.html.html

The New York Times - Tech

The Amateur Rowing Association website has a comprehensive list of rowing clubs throughout England (ara-rowing.org).org

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A comprehensive list of rental companies can be found at www.ireland.ie/traveling.ie/traveling

The New York Times - Travel

I made a comprehensive list of everything I did and everything that only I knew.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a comprehensive list of", ensure that the list is indeed thorough and covers all relevant aspects of the topic. Avoid using it for incomplete or selective listings.

Common error

Avoid using "a comprehensive list of" if the list is not truly exhaustive. This can mislead readers and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive list of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, typically introducing a series of items or elements. It emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the subsequent list, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive list of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a detailed and exhaustive enumeration of items. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific publications. While similar phrases like "an exhaustive list of" and "a complete inventory of" can be used as alternatives, it's important to ensure that the list is truly comprehensive to avoid misleading readers. The frequency of the phrase demonstrates its common usage and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exhaustive list of

Replaces "comprehensive" with "exhaustive", implying a thorough and complete listing.

an all-inclusive list of

Highlights that the list incorporates everything relevant.

a complete inventory of

Substitutes "list" with "inventory", suggesting a detailed record of items.

a detailed enumeration of

Uses "enumeration" instead of "list", emphasizing a careful and itemized count.

an extensive catalog of

Replaces "list" with "catalog", implying a systematic and organized collection.

a thorough rundown of

Uses "rundown" to suggest a detailed and descriptive summary.

a full compendium of

Substitutes "list" with "compendium", implying a collection of comprehensive information.

a wide array of

Focuses on the variety and breadth of items included.

a broad spectrum of

Emphasizes the range and scope of the items listed.

a complete record of

Replaces "list" with "record", suggesting an official and documented account.

FAQs

How can I use "a comprehensive list of" in a sentence?

You can use "a comprehensive list of" to introduce a detailed enumeration of items, such as "The report includes "a comprehensive list of" potential risks."

What is a good alternative to "a comprehensive list of"?

Alternatives include "an exhaustive list of", "a complete inventory of", or "a detailed enumeration of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a comprehensive list"?

While "list" implies a collection of items, "comprehensive" emphasizes that the list is thorough and complete. Using "a comprehensive list of" is not necessarily redundant if you want to stress the completeness of the listing.

What's the difference between "a comprehensive list of" and "a complete list of"?

"A comprehensive list of" suggests a more detailed and exhaustive enumeration than "a complete list of". While both imply thoroughness, "comprehensive" often indicates a higher level of detail and scope.