an ambitious list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a list that includes challenging or high-reaching goals or tasks. Example: "The project manager presented an ambitious list of objectives for the upcoming quarter, aiming to push the team to achieve more than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Why such an ambitious list?

The Guardian - Money

But he still offers an ambitious list.

The New York Times

Thai is not a wine-friendly cuisine, but the Basil bravely plows ahead with an ambitious list.

The New York Times - Arts

He vowed to reduce the state's role in an ambitious list of sectors: education, energy, forestry, health care, finance and telecommunications.

The New York Times

In character for the frenetic French president, the agenda also contains an ambitious list of other goals, including changing bank regulation, as well as dealing with unemployment, corruption, tax evasion, food security and global warming.

The New York Times

The owner of the land plans to develop it, and has drawn up an ambitious list of possible projects that includes a 150-room hotel, a restaurant, even some stores and private homes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In an era when ease of transportation and ubiquity of information makes mere arrival at a place less of an accomplishment than it was a generation ago, experiencing one place in depth would seem to be as much a challenge as chasing an ambitious, list-driven itinerary.

The New York Times

Last week, after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the blockading coalition to be more specific about what it wants, it compiled an implausibly ambitious list of thirteen demands, a list that effectively requires Qatar to surrender its sovereignty.

The New Yorker

It's a wonderfully ambitious list, and its showpiece will be a new Nutcracker, whose five scenes will be choreographed individually by Arthur Pita, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Liam Scarlett, Édouard Locke and Millepied himself.

The Guardian

It is a long, ambitious list.

The New York Times

That's a pretty ambitious list, and it raises some interesting ideas as to applications and usage scenarios.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ambitious list", ensure that the context clearly indicates the criteria by which the list is considered 'ambitious'. Specify whether it's the quantity, difficulty, or scope of the items on the list that make it so.

Common error

Avoid using "an ambitious list" to describe a set of tasks that are merely long or numerous. The term implies that the list involves significant challenges or groundbreaking goals, not just a high volume of routine items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious list" functions as a noun phrase, with 'ambitious' acting as an adjective that modifies 'list'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The adjective "ambitious" describes the nature of the list, indicating that it includes challenging or high-reaching goals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambitious list" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a set of goals, tasks, or items that are challenging and require significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Its communicative purpose is to convey a sense of aspiration and strategic planning, often in contexts like news, business, and formal communication. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the context justifies the use of 'ambitious' to accurately reflect the nature of the list. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "an ambitious list" to convey the intended meaning and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging agenda

Emphasizes the difficulty and demanding nature of the list.

a demanding set of goals

Directly addresses the high expectations associated with the list.

an extensive program

Highlights the breadth and scope of the list's contents.

a comprehensive plan

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the list.

a broad-ranging proposal

Indicates that the list covers a wide variety of areas or topics.

a far-reaching scheme

Suggests that the list has broad and significant implications.

an expansive catalogue

Similar to "an ambitious list", but specifies the detailed and inclusive manner of a catalogue.

a bold initiative

Highlights the courageous and daring aspect of the list.

a wide-ranging inventory

Emphasizes the comprehensive and diverse nature of an inventory.

a grandiose project

Implies that the list is impressively large and elaborate, potentially to an unrealistic degree.

FAQs

What does "an ambitious list" mean?

The phrase "an ambitious list" refers to a collection of goals, tasks, or items that are challenging and require considerable effort or resources to achieve. It implies a high level of aspiration and a willingness to take on significant undertakings.

How can I use "an ambitious list" in a sentence?

You can use "an ambitious list" to describe various scenarios. For example: "The company unveiled "an ambitious list" of sustainability targets for the next decade", or "The new CEO presented "an ambitious list" of reforms to the board".

What are some alternatives to "an ambitious list"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging agenda", "an extensive program", or "a demanding set of goals". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an ambitious list" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ambitious list" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business, academic, and journalistic contexts. However, ensure that the tone and level of detail are consistent with the overall style and audience.