a first list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing an initial compilation of items or topics that will be discussed or elaborated on later. Example: "Here is a first list of potential candidates for the job opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mr Berlusconi's law comes with no such strings.In August, Patrimonio published a first list of the value of items that might be sold, securitised or leased.

The Economist

A first list of molecules identified on the cometary nucleus by COSAC, authored by Meierhenrich and colleagues, will be published at the end of July in the journal Science.

The Guardian

To ensure an international perspective and a multi-stakeholder point of view, the Prosper group was mobilized to establish a first list of 788 experts, collecting address books of each member of the group.

European Journal of Futures Research

Then, another experiment is conducted to uncover a first list of conversion rules by having participants conduct a real conversion of an existing application to HBase using three possible conversion design patterns (mainly one-to-one and one-to-many relationships) as shown in Fig. 1.

Journal of Big Data

SACRAMENTO — Eager to attack more hazardous household products, state officials went public Thursday with a first list of consumer products that might need to be reformulated or pulled from retailers' shelves altogether.

Los Angeles Times

Failure, Tusk warned, would undermine the EU's standing in the world and said the six-decade-old bloc may face "the most critical moment in our history". Under a timetable agreed by the 19 leaders of the common currency area, Greece will submit on Wednesday a formal request for a two-year loan program, with a first list of reform commitments to be spelled out in greater detail on Thursday.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A second list, of 1,000 trusted sources, was provided to the Guardian by Facebook.

The Guardian - Tech

"So I made a list of classic novels and a second list of elements that could enhance these novels pirates, robots, ninjas, monkeys and so forth.

The Guardian - Books

We might also go for a second list of great late-20th-century novels that haven't been somehow touched by the shadow of the second world war.

The Guardian - Books

A second list of recommendations for repeal, to be introduced as soon as this year, Mr. Taylor said, "will be more interesting and probably a little controversial".

The New York Times

After the commission agreed to hear the case, and Professor Rothschild brought a complaint against a second list of companies, the companies settled and she withdrew the complaints.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a series of items that will be expanded upon later, use "a first list of" to signal that more details or items will follow.

Common error

Avoid using "a first list of" if you don't plan to provide further lists or details. This can leave the reader expecting more information that never arrives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first list of" serves as a noun phrase modifier, specifically functioning to introduce an initial, and often non-exhaustive, compilation of items, ideas, or entities. It prepares the reader for a list that may be expanded upon later. Ludwig AI validates the correct and usable nature of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first list of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce an initial set of items, ideas, or entities, implying that the list is not exhaustive and may be expanded upon later. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Its frequency is common across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects your intention to provide further elaboration or additional items to avoid misleading the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial catalog of

Replaces 'list' with 'catalog', implying a more exhaustive and organized collection.

a preliminary inventory of

Substitutes 'list' with 'inventory', suggesting a focus on tangible or countable items.

a starting compilation of

Uses 'compilation' instead of 'list', indicating a gathering of items from various sources.

a basic rundown of

Replaces 'list' with 'rundown', suggesting a simplified or summarized presentation.

an early enumeration of

Employs 'enumeration' for 'list', conveying a more formal and detailed counting or listing.

a primary assortment of

Replaces 'list' with 'assortment', implying a varied collection of items.

a nascent collection of

Substitutes 'first' with 'nascent', emphasizing the new or emerging nature of the collection.

a pilot directory of

Uses 'directory' instead of 'list', suggesting an organized guide or reference.

an introductory register of

Replaces 'list' with 'register', implying an official or formal record.

a sample array of

Employs 'array' for 'list', conveying a structured and organized arrangement.

FAQs

What's a good way to introduce a set of items?

You can use the phrase "a first list of" to introduce an initial set of items or considerations. This signals that more items might follow, or that the items listed are the initial points in a discussion.

What can I say instead of "a first list of"?

Alternatives include "an initial catalog of", "a preliminary inventory of", or "a starting compilation of" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a first list of"?

It is appropriate when you are presenting an initial selection of items, ideas, or steps and you intend to add more detail or further items later. It sets the expectation that the current list is not exhaustive.

How does "a first list of" differ from "the complete list of"?

"A first list of" implies that what follows is an initial or partial compilation, whereas "the complete list of" suggests that everything is included and nothing is omitted. They are used in fundamentally different contexts.