composed a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composed a list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating or writing down a list of items or information. Example: "She composed a list of all the supplies needed for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He tested a range of ways of presenting core Republican ideas and composed a list of dos and don'ts.

The New Yorker

Ever the positive thinker, Steinem composed a list of the good things about starting her ninth decade.

The Guardian - Opinion

I composed a list of dictators who endorsed the benefits of a Swiss boarding-school education (the Shah of Iran, Kim Jong-un).

The New Yorker

Schindler and his associates composed a list of Jewish workers that he deemed essential for the new factory and submitted it for approval to the Jewish labour office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Department of Homeland Security has composed a list of 39 categories of information about each foreign passenger planning to fly to the United States, ranging from name and date of intended travel to luggage tag numbers, but also including sensitive payment information and billing and e-mail addresses, to be supplied before a passenger arrives.

The New York Times - Travel

Fosfor Gadgets has composed a list of the top 10 most beautiful cellphones and the results are more than suitable.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Students can compose a list of their favorite books, like this student or this pair.

The New York Times

Students should brainstorm to compose a list of the many adaptations animals must undergo to survive in their respective environments.

The New York Times

And certainly not after a neck injury forced Kiwanuka to sit down and compose a list of possible post-football plans a lot sooner than he expected.

The New York Times - Sports

He then proposed a contest: "Compose a list of 10 well-known living people whose names would have caught Dickens's eye.

The New York Times

Others compose a list of useful chores for the superpower to take on right away, the one common feature of which is that none of them is Iraq.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "composed a list", consider the context to ensure the verb accurately reflects the nature of the list's creation. It implies a deliberate and thoughtful process, more so than simply "made a list".

Common error

Avoid using "composed a list" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "made a list" or "created a list" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "composed a list" functions as a verb phrase where "composed" is the verb indicating the action of creating, and "a list" serves as the direct object, specifying what is being created. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "composed a list" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for describing the creation of a list. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for written English. While it works well across various contexts, it is particularly common in news, science, and wiki sources. When writing, remember that while correct, the formality of "composed a list" may sometimes be inappropriate in casual settings where simpler phrases like "made a list" or "created a list" might be a better fit. Consider using related phrases such as "compiled a list" or "developed a list" to best match the context and intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compiled a list

Uses 'compiled' which suggests gathering items to form a list, implying a process of selection or collection.

created a list

Employs 'created,' a more general term for bringing something into existence, suitable for various list types.

developed a list

Uses 'developed' suggesting a more thoughtful and iterative list creation process.

prepared a list

Uses 'prepared,' highlighting the readiness aspect of creating the list for a specific purpose.

put together a list

Uses the phrasal verb 'put together,' indicating a practical and perhaps less formal compilation.

drew up a list

Uses the phrasal verb 'drew up,' suggesting a more formal or official creation of the list.

formulated a list

Employs 'formulated,' implying a careful and systematic approach to list creation.

drafted a list

Uses 'drafted,' suggesting the list is in preliminary form and may be subject to change.

assembled a list

Uses 'assembled,' implying bringing together different elements to form a cohesive list.

cataloged a list

Employs 'cataloged', indicating that elements into the list were categorised.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "composed a list"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "formulated a list" or "drafted a list", which suggest a more deliberate and structured approach.

Is it always appropriate to use "composed a list" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "composed a list" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Simpler options such as "made a list" or "created a list" are often more suitable.

How does "composed a list" differ from "compiled a list"?

"Composed a list" suggests creating a list from scratch, whereas "compiled a list" implies gathering information from various sources to form a list.

Can "composed a list" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, "composed a list" is appropriate for scientific writing, especially when describing the creation of a list of items, factors, or criteria in a structured way. For instance, a researcher might write, "We "composed a list" of potential confounding variables for our study."