a list that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a list that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific list that has been mentioned or is about to be described. Example: "I have a list that outlines all the tasks we need to complete by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a list that stretches out.

The Guardian - Sport

Shuman is just one example in a list that follows.

The New Yorker

We're talking about a list that includes O. J. Simpson.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a list that could go on and on.

The Guardian - Music

QUESTION FROM GREG: How about doing a list that focuses on new writers, regardless of age?

The New Yorker

It goes out to a list that likely doesn't include many Italian auto mechanics.

The New York Times

But some people refuse to learn from mistakes — a list that apparently includes certain mortgage bankers.

The New York Times

Today we have a list that is on the longish side.

The New York Times

This is not a list that is set in stone for the future".

The Economist

With a list that has grown to nine clients, he has had few breaks between storms.

The New York Times

Here, in a list that feels like a catalogue of atrocities, it's nearly unbearable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a list that", ensure the 'that' clause provides essential information defining or limiting the scope of the list. Avoid using it if the clause offers only additional, non-essential details; in that case, consider using 'which' instead.

Common error

Avoid using "that" when the clause provides extra, non-essential information about the list. For example, instead of "a list that, by the way, includes all our clients", use "a list which, by the way, includes all our clients". Using 'which' signals that the information is additional and not critical to identifying the list.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list that" functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause. The relative clause modifies and provides essential information about the noun "list". Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a list that" is a grammatically correct and very common construction used to introduce a list while providing essential clarifying information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase enjoys wide usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure 'that' is used correctly to introduce restrictive clauses, and consider alternatives like "a catalog which" for nuanced meaning. Being mindful of these points will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catalog which

Replaces 'list' with 'catalog' and 'that' with 'which', changing the specific noun but maintaining the overall relative clause structure.

a roster that

Substitutes 'list' with 'roster', offering a more formal term for a compiled list, but keeps the relative clause.

a compilation that

Replaces 'list' with 'compilation', focusing on the act of gathering items together, while maintaining the relative clause.

a register that

Changes 'list' to 'register', implying an official or formal record, and retains the relative clause.

a directory that

Substitutes 'list' with 'directory', suggesting a more structured and organized collection, while keeping the relative clause.

a record which

Replaces "list" with "record", implying a more formal and permanent collection of information and swaps "that" for "which".

an index that

Changes "list" to "index", giving the sense of something providing easy lookup, and keeps the relative clause.

a schedule that

Replaces "list" with "schedule", to communicate timeline. The relative clause is preserved.

an inventory which

Changes "list" to "inventory", a compilation of items with the specific intention to make an account of all resources. The relative clause is preserved, but "that" is substituted with "which".

an enumeration that

Replaces "list" with "enumeration", denoting an exhaustive, methodical counting or listing of items. The relative clause is preserved.

FAQs

How can I use "a list that" in a sentence?

Use "a list that" to introduce a list and provide essential information about it. For example, "This is "a list that" includes all the necessary supplies for the trip."

What are some alternatives to "a list that"?

You can use alternatives such as "a catalog which", "a roster that", or "a compilation that" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "which" instead of "that" with a list?

Use "which" instead of "that" when the information following "a list which" is non-essential and adds extra detail but doesn't define the list. For instance, "Here's a list, which includes several new items, for your consideration".

Is "a list that" formal or informal?

"A list that" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself. More formal alternatives include phrases such as "a register that".