a representative list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a selection of items that exemplifies a larger group or category. Example: "The report includes a representative list of the top ten most popular tourist destinations worldwide."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The new service is not encyclopedic, Mr. Acharya said, but instead presents users with a representative list of relevant articles that are arranged in a timeline fashion.

The New York Times

Wetherell separately confirmed to the Charge that he was compiling a "representative list" of TCI locals, known as Belongers, which would include "every element" of TCI society.

The Guardian

A representative list of titles: "Gemini," "Aphrodite," "The Triumph of Achilles," "Legend," "A Fantasy," "A Fable," "Amazons," "Penelope's Song," "Telemachus' Dilemma," "Circe's Torment," "Eurydice," "Persephone the Wanderer," "Persephone the Wanderer" (again).

The New York Times - Books

It's in no way a representative list, not at all a roundup of the greats, some of whom are represented several times and some of whom don't figure at all.

The New Yorker

(As always in a crowded space, that's a representative list, not a comprehensive one).

TechCrunch

A representative list of chemicals that can generate a DDR thereby triggering cellular senescence either in vitro or in vivo is provided in Table 1.

Protein & Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Table 3 provides a representative listing of interviewees' titles.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

The polymorphisms analyzed in this study is by no means an exhaustive list of polymorphisms which play a role in Major Depressive Disorder, however it is a fairly representative list for the monoamine related polymorphisms thought to confer susceptibility to major depression.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

The common practice in numerical simulation for such situation is the careful lump of reservoir oil components into a short representative list of pseudo-components.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

I asked on Twitter and on Facebook for some fast feedback on this and got what I think is a pretty representative list of ideas around what due diligence you should do when looking for a mentor for your startup.

TechCrunch

To generate a more representative list of genes for subsequent studies, we added Nr2f2 and Spag5, to the genes listed in Table 1.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a representative list", clearly define the criteria for representation to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether the list is representative in terms of frequency, importance, or diversity.

Common error

Avoid presenting a list as "a representative list" without providing evidence or explanation of why it accurately reflects the broader group. Always offer context or data to support the claim of representativeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative list" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an appositive or introductory element in a sentence. It indicates that the items following are a selection intended to be indicative of a larger whole, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Unknown/unmatched sources

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a representative list" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to introduce a selection of items meant to exemplify a larger group. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase functions as a noun phrase, often setting the stage for examples or data that are indicative rather than exhaustive. It's versatile, appearing in science, news media, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the criteria for representation are clear to avoid ambiguity and support your claim of representativeness with context or data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sample selection

Replaces "list" with "selection", implying a choice from a broader set.

a typical example set

Focuses on examples that are characteristic of the whole.

an illustrative compilation

Highlights the role of the list as an illustration.

a indicative collection

Emphasizes the list's role in signifying a larger whole.

a selective overview

Implies a curated and intentionally chosen subset.

a characteristic assortment

Focuses on items that are typical and combined together.

a model instance group

Highlights items that serve as a standard for others.

a digest selection

Emphasizes a condensed and representative choice.

a chosen portion

Replaces "list" with the concept of selecting a part of the whole.

an abstracted summary

Suggests a simplified and generalized representation.

FAQs

How do I use "a representative list" in a sentence?

Use "a representative list" to introduce a selection of items that are meant to exemplify a larger group. For instance, "The survey included "a representative list" of potential concerns".

What is the difference between "a representative list" and "an exhaustive list"?

"A representative list" includes a selection meant to exemplify a larger group, while an exhaustive list aims to include every item in the group.

Which is more appropriate: "a representative list" or "a comprehensive list"?

Use ""a representative list"" when you want to showcase a sample that is indicative of a larger whole. Use "a comprehensive list" if your intention is to include as many relevant items as possible.

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

You can use alternatives such as "a sample selection", "a typical example set", or "an illustrative compilation" depending on the context.