expanding the list

USAGE SUMMARY

"expanding the list" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used when someone wants to add more items or information to an existing list. For example, "We need to start expanding the list of potential investors for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Medicare also is expanding the list of conditions it will assess in setting punishments.

The New York Times - Health

Expanding the list to include corner outfielders provides some more hopeful cases.

The New York Times - Sports

Governor Shaheen has advocated expanding the list to include categories like killing witnesses or informers.

The New York Times

Now research from Japan suggests expanding the list of aqueous additives -- namely, to lithium.

The New York Times

But shouldn't we instead be expanding the list of books that GCSE students are able to read?

The Guardian

All American markets will begin installing the circuit breakers on Friday on some stocks, gradually expanding the list over the coming weeks.

The New York Times

It also calls for expanding the list of individuals and financial institutions close to Colonel Qaddafi that would have their assets frozen.

The New York Times

The Food and Drug Administration has approved it for young men ages 9 to 26, expanding the list of indications just last December.

The New York Times - Health

But they noted that the discovery in the last two decades of hundreds of giant comets dubbed "centaurs" requires expanding the list of potential hazards.

The Guardian

In a separate move on Thursday, the State and Treasury Departments announced that the United States was expanding the list of medical devices, like dialysis machines, that could be sold to Iran without a license.

The New York Times

The International Whaling Commission on Friday authorized Greenland's native population to hunt a few humpback whales for the next three years, expanding the list of species the Greenlanders are allowed to kill under the license of subsistence hunting.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expanding the list", ensure that the context clearly indicates the original list and the rationale for adding new items.

Common error

Avoid using "expanding the list" without specifying which list you are referring to. Always provide context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expanding the list" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a verb construction (e.g., 'is expanding'). Ludwig provides various examples showcasing its use in adding to or extending an existing set of items or categories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expanding the list" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the action of adding new items to an existing list. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "widening the list" or "enlarging the list" exist, the key is to maintain clarity about which list is being expanded. The phrase enjoys widespread usage, as evidenced by numerous examples, making it a reliable choice for expressing the idea of making something more comprehensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widening the list

Implies making the list more inclusive or comprehensive.

enlarging the list

Focuses on increasing the size or quantity of items on the list.

broadening the list

Suggests making the list more diverse or varied in its contents.

increasing the list

Highlights the numerical growth of items on the list.

extending the list

Implies making the list longer, often in a sequential or temporal sense.

augmenting the list

Suggests adding new elements to improve or enhance the existing list.

supplementing the list

Indicates providing additional items to complete or reinforce the list.

adding to the list

A more general term for including additional items.

growing the list

Emphasizes the gradual accumulation of items.

incorporating more items into the list

A more verbose alternative with a focus on the action of adding items.

FAQs

How can I use "expanding the list" in a sentence?

You can use "expanding the list" when you are adding new items to an existing list, for example: "The company is "expanding the list" of available services."

What are some alternatives to "expanding the list"?

Alternatives include "widening the list", "enlarging the list", or "broadening the list", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "expanded the list" instead of "expanding the list"?

Yes, "expanded the list" is the past tense form, while "expanding the list" is the present participle. Use "expanded the list" when referring to a completed action.

What is the difference between "expanding the list" and "creating a new list"?

"Expanding the list" refers to adding items to an existing list, while "creating a new list" involves starting a list from scratch.