an incomplete list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incomplete list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a list that does not contain all the items or elements that could be included. Example: "The report provided an incomplete list of the participants, missing several key contributors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Correction: An earlier version had an incomplete list.

Huffington Post

And that's an incomplete list.

The Guardian - Sport

"The following is an incomplete list of things that alarm horses," one section warned.

The New Yorker

As a bonus feature, we've compiled an incomplete list of Freeman's past authoritative roles.

The New York Times

Below is an incomplete list to complement the one Bernard provided.

Columbia University

A 5.5″ x 6.5″ x 3″ ivory-colored bust of "Witcher 2" character "Gwynbleioo". This is an incomplete list.

The Washington Post

Below is an incomplete list of other SIP standardization efforts; none of them are part of the SIP WG charter.

Columbia University

This is an incomplete list, as it would be infeasible to list every contribution to this course.

University of California, Berkeley

A front-page article on Tuesday about the religious disillusionment among young people in Iraq carried an incomplete list of reporting credits.

The New York Times

This is an incomplete list — a lowlight reel — but the overall picture is of an institution that no one should trust.

The New York Times

The Tokyo government, urged on by a small group of private citizens, began compiling an incomplete list of victims in 2010.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an incomplete list", clarify why the list is incomplete. This could be due to space constraints, ongoing research, or the complexity of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience will automatically understand why the list is incomplete. Explicitly state the reason to prevent confusion or the impression of oversight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incomplete list" functions as a noun phrase acting as an appositive or introductory element. It informs the reader that the subsequent items are not a comprehensive enumeration. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an incomplete list" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a selection of items that are not fully comprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, it's helpful to clarify the reason for the incompleteness to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases include "a partial list" or "a non-exhaustive list". This phrase serves to manage expectations, signaling that the presented information is selective rather than exhaustive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a partial listing

Focuses on the aspect of being only a part of the total.

a non-exhaustive inventory

Emphasizes the lack of completeness in a more formal tone.

a limited selection

Highlights that the number of items is deliberately restricted.

a preliminary catalog

Suggests that the listing is a first attempt and subject to change.

a sample compilation

Indicates that the list represents a selection for illustrative purposes.

a snapshot enumeration

Implies that the list reflects a specific moment and may not be current.

a brief rundown

Suggests a concise and not necessarily comprehensive overview.

an abridged compendium

Highlights that the list has been shortened from a larger source.

a selective record

Indicates that the list includes only certain items based on specific criteria.

a suggestive register

Implies that the list is meant to hint at possibilities rather than provide a complete picture.

FAQs

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

You can use "an incomplete list" to introduce a set of items or points that are not exhaustive, such as: "Here is "an incomplete list" of potential causes, but further investigation is needed."

What are some alternatives to saying "an incomplete list"?

Alternatives include "a partial list", "a non-exhaustive list", or "a limited selection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "an incomplete list of examples"?

While technically the term "list" implies a collection of items, specifying "an incomplete list of examples" can add emphasis that the following items are illustrative and not an exhaustive inventory.

How do I indicate that a list is incomplete without using the phrase "an incomplete list"?

You can use phrases like "To name a few", "Among others", or "This is not an exhaustive list" to signal that the list is not comprehensive. Alternatively, you can state the criteria used for inclusion, implying that other items exist outside that scope.