draw up a list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw up a list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the action of creating or compiling a list of items or information. Example: "Before the meeting, please draw up a list of all the participants and their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We draw up a list of similarly insane gripes.

The Guardian - Travel

"I actually had my son draw up a list of spells he thought would be good," Dr. Marx said.

The New York Times - Tech

Could he draw up a list of them, I asked?

The Economist

Previously, it was up to each state to draw up a list of its own.

The Economist

The UN is working with the government to draw up a list of agro-industrial projects.

The Economist

My plan is to draw up a list of life's absolute essentials.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her job was to draw up a list of books to accompany the queen.

The New York Times - Books

It is easy to draw up a list of substantial criticisms.

The New York Times

Mr Clarke, who already enjoys wide powers to exclude troublemakers, promises to draw up a list of "unacceptable behaviours".

The Economist

So he asked bankers at Credit Suisse, the big Swiss bank, to draw up a list of investment ideas.

The New York Times

He persuaded a bunch of economists, including three Nobel laureates, to draw up a list of priorities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis and clarity, specify the criteria or purpose for creating the list immediately after the phrase: "draw up a list of" key features, potential candidates, or essential supplies.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the scope and criteria for your list. For instance, instead of saying "draw up a list of employees", specify "draw up a list of employees eligible for promotion" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw up a list of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the action of creating or compiling a list. Ludwig confirms this expression's validity. It sets the stage for specifying items or details relevant to a particular task or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw up a list of" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the action of creating or compiling a list. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It is common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit. When using this phrase, ensure the list's purpose and criteria are well-defined to maintain clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compile a list of

Emphasizes assembling information into a structured list, similar in formality.

create a list of

Focuses on the act of generating a new list, less emphasis on prior information.

formulate a list of

Implies careful and deliberate creation of a list, often with a specific purpose.

prepare a list of

Highlights the readiness aspect of having a list available, suitable for planning.

make a list of

A more general term for creating a list, lacking specific connotations.

develop a list of

Suggests a process of incremental improvement and refinement of the list.

put together a list of

Similar to "make a list of" but with a slightly more active and hands-on feel.

assemble a list of

Highlights the gathering of individual items to form a complete list.

itemize

A concise single word replacement that means to list items individually.

catalogue

Implies a more extensive and detailed listing, often with descriptive information.

FAQs

How can I use "draw up a list of" in a sentence?

You can use "draw up a list of" to introduce the act of creating a list. For example, "The manager asked the team to "draw up a list of" potential risks for the project".

What's a more formal alternative to "draw up a list of"?

For more formal contexts, you might use alternatives such as "compile a list of" or "formulate a list of".

Is "draw up a list" the same as "make a list"?

While similar, "draw up a list" often implies a more formal or structured process than simply "make a list". "Draw up" suggests careful consideration and planning in the creation of the list.

What should I keep in mind when I "draw up a list of" something?

Ensure your list has a clear purpose and well-defined criteria. This will help maintain focus and relevance. Also, organize your list logically, for instance, by priority, category, or date.