a serious list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious list" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a list that is important, significant, or requires careful consideration. Example: "Before making a decision, I need to review a serious list of pros and cons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Along the way, Waywire also picked up funding from a serious list of investors, making it clear that this was not some pet project from a high-rising political hopeful.

TechCrunch

At that time, it was not a serious list -- just a group of schools that peaked my interest.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At least one panellist felt that "any serious list should have Bill Gates as number one" but was convinced by an enervated new media brigade not to overstate the influence of the world's richest man.

The Guardian

Mr. Cheney said campaigns keep two lists of VP candidates – a long list (one that exists primarily so politicians can leak their presence on it for media attention), and a shorter, serious list including people who could actually serve as president if necessary.

The New York Times

This week Democrats on Chaffetz's committee wrote a letter in protest of his deference because "[i]t is difficult to imagine a more serious list of allegations for our Committee to investigate".

Vice

For restaurants 30 years ago, having a serious wine list meant offering a lot of Bordeaux.

The New York Times

The menu structure lets you tailor your own experience, and there's a serious wine list.

The New York Times - Food

But the considerable pleasures of Marco Moreira's cooking are intact, as is a serious wine list.

The New York Times

In addition to well-seared meats and a serious wine list, there is a soft touch in the cooking, a sensitivity to acute flavors and seasonal ingredients.

The New York Times - Food

A handsome set of wine shelves, and a serious wine list to go with them, serve as a reminder that tappo, in Italian, means cork.

The New York Times - Food

It now feels like a much more proper restaurant, and the considerable pleasures of Marco Moreira's cooking are intact, as is a serious wine list.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious list", ensure the items on the list warrant the description. Use this phrase when the consequences of overlooking something on the list would be significant.

Common error

Avoid using "serious" too frequently. Consider synonyms like "important", "critical", or "significant" to add variety to your writing and prevent diluting the impact of the word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious list" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "list". It describes a list that is important and requires careful consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious list" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies a compilation of items that demand attention and careful consideration. As per Ludwig, it is correct and effectively communicates the importance of the items listed. The analysis reveals that it's most commonly found in News & Media, highlighting its role in conveying important information. While relatively uncommon, understanding its proper usage ensures clear and impactful communication. Remember to reserve this phrase for lists where the implications are significant and consider synonyms to prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important inventory

This alternative replaces "serious" with "important" and "list" with "inventory", suggesting a collection of significant items.

a critical compilation

This alternative uses "critical" to emphasize the importance and "compilation" to denote a gathered collection.

a significant catalog

This alternative uses "significant" in place of "serious", and "catalog" for a comprehensive listing.

a noteworthy register

This alternative replaces "serious" with "noteworthy", highlighting the list's deserving attention, and uses "register" for an official record.

a consequential agenda

This alternative suggests the list carries implications and impact, replacing "list" with agenda for planned actions.

a weighty lineup

This version uses "weighty" to convey the significance of the list and "lineup" for a sequential arrangement.

a crucial summary

Here, "crucial" stresses the essential nature of the list, with "summary" implying a condensed record.

a substantial record

This alternative implies the list is of considerable size or importance, with "record" suggesting documented information.

a pressing directory

This phrase indicates the urgency and importance of the list, using "directory" to mean a guide.

a grave roll

Using "grave" highlights the solemn nature of the list, and "roll" implies an official enumeration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious list" to describe a compilation of items that are important and require careful attention. For example, "The committee presented "a serious list" of recommendations to the board".

What are some alternatives to "a serious list"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an important inventory", "a critical compilation", or "a significant catalog".

Is it always appropriate to use "a serious list"?

No, it's important to consider the context. "A serious list" is suitable when the items on the list have significant implications. Otherwise, a simpler term like "list" may suffice.

What distinguishes "a serious list" from a regular list?

The adjective "serious" indicates that the list contains items of considerable importance or consequence, setting it apart from a mere compilation of items.