exhaustive list

USAGE SUMMARY

"exhaustive list" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it when you wish to indicate that a particular list is comprehensive and covers every possible item related to a certain subject. For example, "The professor provided us with an exhaustive list of words for our vocabulary quiz."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems an exhaustive list.

The Guardian

(Naturally that's not an exhaustive list).

The New York Times

An exhaustive list would be too boring.

The Guardian

Of course it's not an exhaustive list.

The New York Times

The page also has an exhaustive list of links.

The New York Times - Tech

The above options are not an exhaustive list.

The Guardian

The above are a few ideas, not an exhaustive list.

The Guardian

This is by no means an exhaustive list.

The New York Times

"We both have faces!" they shriek, almost in unison, when I reel off this exhaustive list.

The Guardian - Music

Space precludes giving an exhaustive list but here are some of the highlights.

The Guardian - Tech

After deliberating, cogitating and digesting all the worthy efforts, the following (far from exhaustive) list emerged.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, use "exhaustive list" to convey that all relevant items or elements have been considered and included.

Common error

Avoid using "exhaustive list" if the list is not truly comprehensive or if there is a possibility of missing items. Using qualifiers like "nearly exhaustive" or "largely comprehensive" can provide a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exhaustive list" functions as a noun phrase, where "exhaustive" modifies the noun "list". According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. It denotes a comprehensive compilation, catalog, or inventory of items, elements, or aspects, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exhaustive list" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a thorough and comprehensive collection of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, most notably news, science, and formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure the list is genuinely complete to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "comprehensive inventory" or "complete enumeration" can be used depending on the context. Remember to strive for clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive inventory

Emphasizes a detailed and complete record of items.

complete enumeration

Highlights the act of counting and specifying each item fully.

thorough compendium

Suggests a collection that is meticulously detailed and covers all aspects.

detailed register

Implies a formal and precise record of items.

full catalog

Focuses on a complete listing of items, often in a systematic order.

extensive directory

Suggests a broad and wide-ranging collection of entries.

wide-ranging index

Highlights the breadth and scope of the items listed.

in-depth compilation

Emphasizes a collection that is deeply researched and thoroughly assembled.

minute specification

Highlights a record that's precise and detailed.

all-inclusive record

Highlights a list where nothing is excluded.

FAQs

How can I use "exhaustive list" in a sentence?

You can use "exhaustive list" to describe a comprehensive collection of items. For example, "The researcher compiled an "exhaustive list" of potential risk factors" or "The website provides an "exhaustive list" of available resources".

What are some alternatives to saying "exhaustive list"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehensive inventory", "complete enumeration", or "thorough compendium" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary for a list to be truly "exhaustive"?

No, depending on the context, it may be acceptable to provide a "representative list" or a "partial list" if being truly exhaustive is impractical or unnecessary. If the list is not fully exhaustive, avoid misrepresentation by using words like "representative list" or "partial list".

What's the difference between "exhaustive list" and "extensive list"?

While both terms suggest a long list, "exhaustive list" implies completeness, meaning all possible items are included. An "extensive list", however, simply suggests a large quantity of items, without necessarily being fully complete. An "extensive list" is longer, but not always complete.