a whole list

USAGE SUMMARY

'a whole list' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it either to refer to a list of items written down in its entirety, or to emphasize the length of a list or the fact that everything is included. For example, "I had to review a whole list of customer complaints before I could make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a whole list of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

You have a whole list of concerns.

The New York Times - Sports

I could go through a whole list.

The Washington Post

One could give a whole list of examples.

Yale University

He had a whole list of observations like this.

The New Yorker

There will be no cars – a whole list of things.

The Guardian - Music

She has a whole list in her head.

The Guardian

Come armed with a whole list! she says.

The Guardian

For example, The Heritage Foundation, has a whole list of qualified people: http://www.heritage.org/immigration.org/immigration

University of California, Berkeley

There is a whole list of great operas that are arguably too long.

The New York Times - Arts

"And a whole list of people do not want to be identified with it".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a whole list", ensure the context clearly indicates what the list contains, either explicitly stated or easily inferred. For example, "He presented a whole list of reasons why the project should be approved."

Common error

Avoid using "a whole list" without providing any context or examples of what the list entails, which can leave the reader confused or unsatisfied. Instead of saying "There's a whole list of problems", be specific about at least a few key issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whole list" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a collection of items, emphasizing its completeness or extensiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whole list" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a comprehensive collection or enumeration of items, reasons, or examples. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is found most frequently in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic writing. When using the phrase, clarity is crucial; make sure the context clearly identifies what the "whole list" contains. Alternatives like "an extensive catalog" or "a vast array" can be considered for varying emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extensive catalog

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of the collection; more formal.

a comprehensive inventory

Implies a complete and detailed record of items, often in a business or organizational context.

a complete rundown

Suggests a thorough and often quick summary or account.

a detailed compendium

Highlights a collection of detailed and organized information, often scholarly or technical.

a vast array

Focuses on the diversity and range of items, suggesting variety.

a plethora of items

Emphasizes abundance and a great quantity of items.

a multitude of things

Stresses a large number or variety of unspecified items.

countless examples

Highlights that the examples are so many they can't be counted.

an exhaustive enumeration

Implies that the listing is very detailed and thorough.

a full enumeration

Implies that the list is thorough and complete

FAQs

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

You can use "a whole list" to refer to a large number of items, reasons, or examples. For instance, "She presented "a whole list" of suggestions for improving the process."

What are some alternatives to "a whole list"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an extensive catalog", "a comprehensive inventory", or "a vast array", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a whole list" or "an entire list"?

Both "a whole list" and "an entire list" are acceptable, but "a whole list" often emphasizes the extensive nature of the list, while "an entire list" simply indicates completeness. The choice depends on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "a whole list" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a whole list" when you want to emphasize the comprehensiveness or length of a list of items, reasons, or examples. Be sure to provide sufficient context or examples to give the reader a sense of what the list contains.