a list of contents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a list of contents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a compilation of items or topics that are included in a document, book, or report. Example: "Before diving into the chapters, please refer to the list of contents to find the topics covered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In lieu of a logbook, indications on the container or a list of contents may be the only available identification.

Harvard University

It also includes a bibliography of the individual volumes of the 6th ed. and of the New Series and a list of contents for each volume.

Stanford University

We retrieved TV status 2 times and a list of contents in PC 2 times, and then issues a data sharing command.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is recommended to include a list of contents particularly if the SOP is lengthy.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

In order to achieve a deeper understanding of the results, it would be advisable to conduct future studies of a purely qualitative nature, using the topics arising in this study as a list of contents for specific investigation.

BMC Public Health

Tap on a category you wish to open to see a list of contents you can download from that category.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These students are developing skills that matter, not checking off a list of content to be covered superficially.

The Washington Post

To feature a list of content using the Collapsible Content widget, you'll first need to create all of the content that you'd like to feature.

University of California, Berkeley

And a list of content providers.

TechCrunch

They pull up Google, type in a phrase or question and a list of content resources and links suddenly appear.

Forbes

As part of the survey, the participant provided a list of content within the Hexbug design challenge.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating documentation, include "a list of contents" at the beginning to help readers navigate the document efficiently. This is especially helpful for lengthy documents.

Common error

While both provide an overview, "a list of contents" can be a more general term. Reserve "table of contents" specifically for the front section of a book or document that lists chapters and sections with page numbers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list of contents" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a compilation of items or topics, providing an overview of what is included. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a list of contents" is a grammatically correct and useful term for describing an overview of items or topics included in something. While not as common as similar phrases like "table of contents", it's suitable for a variety of contexts, especially academia, news and media, and wiki-style content. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is versatile and can be used to enhance clarity and navigation. When writing, be mindful of the subtle differences between "a list of contents" and a table of contents, reserving the latter for formal documents like books and reports. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "a list of contents" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a table of contents

Refers specifically to the section of a document that lists chapters or sections.

an inventory of items

Emphasizes a detailed record of all items present, often used in business or storage contexts.

a catalog of entries

Suggests a structured and organized collection, often in a library or database context.

a directory of subjects

Highlights an organized arrangement of topics, suitable for academic or reference materials.

an enumeration of items

Emphasizes the act of listing or counting items in a systematic way.

a breakdown of components

Focuses on the individual parts that make up a whole, useful for technical or analytical documents.

a compilation of elements

Suggests gathering diverse pieces into a unified collection.

a summary of topics

Presents a condensed version of subjects covered.

an index of matters

Highlights an alphabetical list of topics with page numbers for quick reference.

a rundown of details

Implies a quick, often informal, summary of key points.

FAQs

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

You can use "a list of contents" to refer to an overview of what's included in something, like "The box came with a list of contents" or "The website provides a list of contents for each course module".

What's the difference between "a list of contents" and a table of contents?

While similar, "a list of contents" is a more general term. A table of contents is specifically the section at the beginning of a document or book that outlines chapters or sections with corresponding page numbers.

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "table of contents", "inventory of items", or "catalog of entries".

Is "a list of content" grammatically correct?

The phrase should be "a list of contents", with the plural form of "content" (contents) when referring to multiple items or topics.