a list of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a list of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a list containing several items or points. For example, "The presentation included a list of statistics about the company's growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A list of computer passwords.

The New York Times

A list of literary spoilers.

The New Yorker

A list of results appears.

The Economist

See a list of full charges here.

Independent

Monrad has a list of complaints.

Forbes

Make a list of addressees.

WikiHow

Get a list of shelters.

WikiHow

Make a list of chapters.

WikiHow

Make a list of losses.

WikiHow

Create a list of questions.

WikiHow

Make a list of descriptions.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "list of", ensure the items are related and follow a consistent format for clarity.

Common error

Avoid mixing different types of elements in "a list of". For example, don't combine nouns and full sentences unless each item is clearly distinct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list of" functions as a determiner phrase introducing a noun phrase. It indicates that what follows is a series of items related to a particular topic. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples supporting this function, consistently presenting a list of items, ideas, or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a list of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an enumeration of related items. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, ranging from informal how-to guides on WikiHow to news articles in The New York Times. While primarily neutral in register, ensure the list items are consistent and clearly related to maximize clarity. Consider alternatives such as "a collection of" or "an inventory of" for stylistic variation or increased formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a list of" to enhance the organization and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of

Highlights the act of bringing things together into a group.

a compilation of

Focuses on the process of gathering items together.

a selection of

Suggests a careful choice of particular items.

an inventory of

Suggests a detailed and comprehensive record.

an array of

Implies a visually impressive or well-organized display.

a catalog of

Implies an organized and descriptive collection.

a register of

Indicates an official or formal record.

a series of

Emphasizes a sequence or succession of items.

a range of

Indicates variety and scope among the items.

a summary of

Presents a concise overview of main points.

FAQs

How do I use "a list of" in a sentence?

You can use "a list of" to introduce items related to the same subject. For example, "The document included "a list of recommendations" for improving efficiency".

What's an alternative to "a list of" that sounds more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an inventory of" or "a compilation of".

Is it correct to say "a list about" instead of "a list of"?

No, the correct preposition to use after "a list" is "of". "A list about" is grammatically incorrect.

What can I use instead of "a list of" to sound less repetitive?

To avoid repetition, try using synonyms like "a catalog of", "a series of", or "a collection of".