a list of them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a list of them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a collection or enumeration of items or individuals previously mentioned. Example: "I have compiled a list of them for your review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here is a list of them: 1.

The New Yorker

Here is a list of them.

Columbia University

Let me not depress you with a list of them.

The New York Times

Could he draw up a list of them, I asked?

The Economist

"I have a list of them," she said.

The New York Times

A list of them in Egyptian terms is here.

Cornell University

A list of them is available in Series VII.Veterinary Ephemera.

Cornell University

I could give you a list of them.

Princeton University

I cannot give you a list of them all now.

Yale University

If you went through a list of them it would be like reading a medical encyclopaedia.

Independent

Returns a list of them because a startStop type tuplet needs two tuplet brackets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a list of them", ensure the referent (the 'them') is clearly established in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a list of them" without explicitly mentioning what 'them' refers to, as this can confuse the reader. Always provide a clear antecedent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list of them" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It refers to a collection of items or individuals that have been previously mentioned or are understood from the context. Ludwig shows many instances where this phrase is used to provide further detail about referenced items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

25%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a list of them" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a collection of items or individuals already mentioned. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, from news articles and academic papers to wikis. It's crucial to ensure the referent of "them" is clear to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "an inventory of those" or "a compilation of those" exist for more formal settings, "a list of them" remains a versatile and generally accepted phrase. As Ludwig suggests, being mindful of clarity in usage will enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compilation of those

Uses 'compilation' instead of 'list', emphasizing the act of gathering items together.

an inventory of those

Replaces 'list' with 'inventory' and 'them' with 'those', implying a more formal or detailed record.

a record of those

Replaces "list" with "record", which means to keep track of something.

a catalog of those

Substitutes 'list' with 'catalog', suggesting a comprehensive and organized collection.

an enumeration of those

Substitutes 'list' with 'enumeration', suggesting a formal and systematic counting.

a summary of those

Use 'summary' in place of 'list' to suggest it's just a brief.

a rundown of those

Replaces 'list' with 'rundown', implying a concise summary or overview.

a register of those

Uses 'register' instead of 'list', implying an official or maintained record.

the items in question

Replaces the whole phrase with a more descriptive term pointing to specific items.

the aforementioned items

More formal way of referencing items already referred to.

FAQs

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

Use "a list of them" to refer back to something already mentioned. For example, "These are the ingredients; here's "a list of them" with quantities."

What's a more formal alternative to "a list of them"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "an inventory of those" or "a compilation of those", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a list of them" in academic writing?

Yes, "a list of them" is acceptable in academic writing, especially if the list is supplementary to the main text. However, ensure the referent is clear. Consider using more specific terms if appropriate.

What's the difference between "a list of them" and simply stating the list?

"A list of them" implies that a list exists separately or has been prepared. Stating the list directly integrates the enumerated items into the sentence without prior reference.