an incomplete list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incomplete list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a list that does not include all possible items or examples related to a topic. Example: "Here is an incomplete list of the countries I have visited: France, Spain, and Italy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"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 of other SIP standardization efforts; none of them are part of the SIP WG charter.

Columbia University

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

Finally there is an incomplete list of concentrations in other fields that have been historically part of some Economics committees as minor concentrations.

Cornell University

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

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

For this reason, it is of paramount importance to investigate the performance degradation resulting from: the adoption of a non-ordered list (that occurs when the TEP list is generated on-the-fly, rather than storing it in a memory); the adoption of an incomplete list (that occurs when only part of the list can be stored).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

the adoption of a non-ordered list (that occurs when the TEP list is generated on-the-fly, rather than storing it in a memory); the adoption of an incomplete list (that occurs when only part of the list can be stored).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Ms. Wortham and Ms. Perlroth pulled together an inherently incomplete list of companies, any one of which could become the next hit — whether because it has had explosive user growth, is attracting serious investors or a new demographic, or just because it has an unusual idea that seems to be taking off.

The New York Times

Right now, The Times publishes an incomplete list in the Times Topics area of the Web site, mixed in with thousands of news topics (hint: staff members' names are in italics).

The New York Times

In this review we collect a naturally incomplete list of experimental observations on various aspects of 2- and 3-dimensional segregation events, and then summarize, where available, some computational models on segregation and compare them with experimental findings.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an incomplete list of" to signal to your audience that you are not providing an exhaustive overview. This can manage expectations and encourage further exploration on their part.

Common error

Avoid using "an incomplete list of" when you intend to provide a comprehensive overview. This phrase suggests that items are intentionally omitted, which can confuse readers seeking complete information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incomplete list of" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to preface a series of items while explicitly stating that the enumeration is not exhaustive. It prepare the reader to receive a selection, not a comprehensive inventory, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an incomplete list of" is a versatile introductory phrase signaling that the following enumeration is not exhaustive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to manage reader expectations and signal the intent to provide a selective rather than comprehensive overview. Related alternatives include "a partial listing of" and "a selection of items from", offering similar communicative functions with slight variations in tone. Therefore, by explicitly stating that the list is partial, writers can avoid implying completeness and invite further inquiry from their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A partial listing of

Replaces "list" with "listing", indicating a subset or selection of items.

A non-exhaustive enumeration of

Uses more formal language to convey that the list is not comprehensive.

A selection of items from

Focuses on the idea that the list is a curated selection, not a complete inventory.

A limited compilation of

Emphasizes that the collection of items is restricted or finite.

A preliminary catalog of

Suggests the list is an initial or early version, possibly subject to additions.

Some examples include

Directly states that what follows are examples, implying the list is not complete.

A few instances of

Highlights that only some occurrences or cases are being presented.

The following are some

Introduces a set of items, implying there are others not included.

Just a sampling of

Emphasizes that the list is merely a small representation of a larger whole.

A representative sample of

Indicates the list is a typical subset, but not the entirety, of available items.

FAQs

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

You can use "an incomplete list of" to introduce a selection of items that are not exhaustive. For example, "Here's "an incomplete list of" the books I've read this year."

What phrases are similar to "an incomplete list of"?

Similar phrases include "a partial list of", "a selection of items", or "some examples include".

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

Yes, it is appropriate, particularly when you want to be transparent about the scope of your information. However, ensure that the context doesn't require a comprehensive list; otherwise, it may appear unprofessional.

What is the difference between "an incomplete list of" and "a complete list of"?

"An incomplete list of" indicates that only some items are included, whereas "a complete list of" suggests that all items are present. Choosing the correct phrase depends on whether you're providing a partial or full overview.