an initial list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a preliminary compilation of items, ideas, or tasks that will be expanded or refined later. Example: "We have prepared an initial list of potential candidates for the job opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police released an initial list of seven people killed.

The Guardian

Mr. Mohammed and Mr. bin Laden chose an initial list of targets.

The New York Times

In its statement, G.E. said it began its search with an initial list of 40 locations.

The New York Times - Tech

Use the following tips to help you in brainstorming an initial list of contacts.

Cornell University

First, an initial list of criteria is generated based on objectives, available resources, context, and clients' needs.

Research Policy

Somewhat bizarrely, another practice, Allies and Morrison, was added after an initial list of seven was announced.

The Guardian - Arts

They helped me create an initial list of schools I may be interested in and also provided some statistical information.

The New York Times - Tech

On Monday night the Metropolitan police of Washington DC released an initial list of seven people killed.

The Guardian

Working alongside Jamaican officials, they narrowed down an initial list of 63 people who might have been wrongly deported.

The Guardian

At the chairs' request, an initial list of panel members was proposed by the editorial staff of Nature journals.

Nature

While the manual states that the program provides an initial list of tasks, my list was empty.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an initial list of" to signal that the items are subject to further review, modification, or addition. This sets clear expectations that the list is not exhaustive or final.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an initial list of" as a final or comprehensive compilation. Clearly communicate that it's a starting point to prevent misunderstandings and manage expectations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial list of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the type and scope of the noun it modifies (e.g., criteria, contacts, schools). It sets the expectation that the list is preliminary and potentially incomplete. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an initial list of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce a preliminary compilation. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts including scientific, news media, and academic writing. Highlighting its role in setting expectations for further development, it's important to avoid presenting such a list as final. Instead, use this phrase to signal that what follows is just a starting point that can be further improved. Moreover, as demonstrated by the wide range of related phrases, you have several alternatives when conveying the same idea, but with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary list of

Replaces "initial" with "preliminary", emphasizing the early and tentative nature of the list.

a starting list of

Substitutes "initial" with "starting", focusing on the list as a point of commencement.

an introductory list of

Uses "introductory" instead of "initial", highlighting the list's role as an introduction to a topic.

a draft list of

Replaces "initial" with "draft", implying that the list is still subject to revision.

a tentative list of

Uses "tentative" instead of "initial", suggesting that the list is provisional and uncertain.

a first list of

Simply uses "first" instead of "initial", emphasizing sequence.

a primary list of

Implies a list of utmost importance, which is the primary focus.

a basic list of

Changes "initial" to "basic" emphasizing simplicity of the list.

a pilot list of

Refers to a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, duration, cost, adverse events, and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale research project.

a rudimentary list of

Highlights the basic and undeveloped nature of the list, more so than "initial".

FAQs

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

Use "an initial list of" to introduce a set of items, ideas, or tasks that are preliminary and subject to change. For example: "We've created an initial list of potential marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "an initial list of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a preliminary list of", "a starting list of", or "a draft list of depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "an initial list of"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that the list is not exhaustive and may be expanded or modified later. This is useful in situations where planning is ongoing or information is still being gathered.

What's the difference between "an initial list of" and "a final list of"?

"An initial list of" implies that the list is subject to change and is a starting point, whereas "a final list of" suggests that the list is complete and not subject to further modifications.