a partial listing

USAGE SUMMARY

"a partial listing" is a perfectly acceptable and proper phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a subset of an entire list. For example, "The following is only a partial listing of the available items in the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Winter Dances This is a partial listing until mid-February.

The New York Times - Travel

And that's just a partial listing of the things that can scare children out of their wits.

The New York Times

Only a partial listing of physical characteristics is necessary to indicate the breadth of approach in this area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, we were given a handout: DESCRIBING CHEESE This is only a partial listing of descriptions and you should not feel limited to it.

The New Yorker

(A partial listing of Those Upon Whom Particular Blessings Have Been Rained in the Past Twelvemonth. U. S. Soldiers on Kitchen Police. Girls with big feet. Sunstruck Persons.

The New Yorker

The database provides only a partial listing, but families now have places to look for the names of missing loved ones who may be buried in the cemetery.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A partial list follows.

The New Yorker

That's a partial list.

The New Yorker

This is a partial list.

The New Yorker

And that is just a partial list.

The New York Times

This is only a partial list.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "a partial listing" or a more specific term like "selection" or "sampling".

Common error

Avoid implying that "a partial listing" is complete. Always clarify that it represents only a subset of a larger set. Omission of this clarification can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a partial listing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an appositive or introductory element to a list. It indicates that the subsequent enumeration is not exhaustive. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a partial listing" is a noun phrase used to introduce a non-exhaustive list. It serves to inform the audience that the enumeration is incomplete and that other items exist beyond those presented. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, always indicate that the list is not exhaustive. While "a partial listing" is widely applicable, consider using more specific terms like "selection" or "sampling" depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incomplete list

Replaces "partial listing" with "incomplete list", focusing on the lack of completeness.

a selective enumeration

Uses more formal terms to indicate a deliberate choice of items to include.

a limited selection

Emphasizes the restricted number of items presented.

a sampling

Suggests a representation of a larger set, rather than an exhaustive record.

a representative selection

Highlights that the listed items are meant to be typical examples.

a taste of what's available

Offers a more informal, metaphorical sense of a limited preview.

a glimpse into the full inventory

Suggests that the listing is a quick look at a more extensive collection.

some examples

Provides a simpler, less formal way to indicate a few instances from many.

a few highlights

Focuses on the most important or notable items in a larger group.

a selection of items

General alternative that emphasizes choice, without specifying the degree of completeness.

FAQs

How can I use "a partial listing" in a sentence?

You can use "a partial listing" to introduce a selection of items from a larger set. For instance, "A partial listing of the ingredients includes flour, sugar, and eggs."

What are some alternatives to using "a partial listing"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "an incomplete list", "a selective enumeration", or "a limited selection".

Is it necessary to specify that a list is partial when it's obvious?

Even if it seems obvious, explicitly stating that it's "a partial listing" can prevent confusion. Clarity is always beneficial, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "a partial listing" and "a complete list"?

"A partial listing" indicates that only some items are included, while "a complete list" implies that all items are included. Using the wrong term can significantly alter the meaning.