a long list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a list of items that are numerous and/or lengthy. For example, "They gave me a long list of instructions to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Republicans raised a long list of issues.

The New York Times

There's also a long list of options.

The New York Times

In a long list of villains.

The Guardian

That's a long list of questions.

The Guardian - Business

We had a long list of questions.

The Guardian

There's a long list of them".

The Guardian

(A long list of peculiarly named businesses).

The New Yorker

Soaring prices are rippling through a long list of industries.

The New York Times

A long list of companies is waiting to raise money.

The Economist

He was on a long list of medications.

The New York Times

There is a long list of missteps, French says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of always using "a long list of", consider replacing it with more descriptive alternatives like "a wide range of", or "an extensive array of" to add more detail and precision to the writing.

Common error

Avoid mixing different types of items in "a long list of". Maintain consistency in category and structure to prevent reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long list of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun by specifying that the list is extensive. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long list of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an extensive enumeration of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its function is straightforward, varying your vocabulary with alternatives such as "an extensive array of" or "a wide range of" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Ensure consistency and logical coherence within the list items to maintain clarity. Avoiding these common pitfalls will improve the overall quality and effectiveness of the communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide range of

Focuses on the diversity and variety of items, rather than their sheer number.

an extensive array of

Replaces "list" with "array", emphasizing variety and range rather than a structured enumeration.

a broad spectrum of

Similar to "wide range", but more formal and often used in scientific or technical contexts.

a comprehensive inventory of

Suggests a complete and detailed record, often used in formal or technical contexts.

a vast collection of

Suggests a large accumulation of items, often implying curation or organization.

a considerable number of

Shifts focus from a list to the quantity, highlighting the significant amount.

a multitude of

Implies a very large and often overwhelming quantity, more emphatic than a simple long list.

a great deal of

Emphasizes the magnitude or extent, suitable for uncountable items or abstract concepts.

a litany of

Implies a tedious or repetitive list, often with negative connotations.

numerous instances of

Highlights repeated occurrences or examples, rather than items in a structured list.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long list of" to introduce multiple items. For example: "The report contained "a long list of" recommendations for improving the company's performance."

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

You can use alternatives such as "an extensive array of", "a wide range of", or "numerous instances of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a long lists of" instead of "a long list of"?

No, "a long lists of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a long list of", where "list" is singular.

What's the difference between "a long list of" and "a detailed account of"?

"A long list of" simply introduces numerous items, whereas "a detailed account of" provides a comprehensive explanation or description of something.