gained a spot on the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained a spot on the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has been included or recognized in a specific list, such as rankings, awards, or selections. Example: "After months of hard work, she finally gained a spot on the list of top performers in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, Lynch said poor and rural residents have less access to care than people in large cities and therefore less chance of being diagnosed with liver disease and gaining a spot on the waiting list.

The Washington Post

Those numbers help explain why Opendoor gained a spot on our 2016 list of America's next billion-dollar startups (FORBES, Nov. 9 ).

Forbes

Rinehart did not win a spot on the list.

The New Yorker

The Audi RS4 upscale sedan lands a spot on the list–No.

Forbes

"For sale: a spot on the list.

Vice

And of course a restaurant with a vintage Cindy Crawford poster deserves a spot on the list.

Los Angeles Times

Chef Irene Li '15 has amassed a host of honors — gaining a spot on last year's Forbes 30 under 30 list and being named a three-time James Beard semi-finalist.

Cornell University

Or, offer you a spot on the Wait List.

Princeton University

It had offered her a spot on the waiting list — along with 3,382 other applicants.

The New York Times

After failing to gain a spot through Monday qualifying, he stood second on the standby list as the first groups were teeing off on Thursday.

The New York Times

But there is cut-throat competition for a spot on the party lists.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what the list represents and why gaining a spot is significant. Example: "The company's innovative product gained a spot on the 'Top 10 Innovations' list."

Common error

While versatile, "gained a spot on the list" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "made the list" or "got on the list" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained a spot on the list" typically functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject has successfully achieved inclusion or recognition on a particular list. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gained a spot on the list" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate inclusion or recognition on a particular list. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable in various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and business settings. While suitable for formal writing, it can be replaced with simpler alternatives in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Authoritative sources like Forbes, The New York Times, and The Economist frequently employ this phrase. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured a position on the list

Emphasizes the act of making the position secure or certain.

earned a place on the list

Highlights the effort and merit involved in achieving inclusion.

obtained a position on the list

Focuses on the acquisition of a place through some effort or process.

made it onto the list

A more casual way of saying that someone or something was included.

was selected for the list

Highlights the element of choice or selection by an external party.

qualified for the list

Indicates that certain criteria were met to be included.

achieved inclusion on the list

More formal, emphasizing the accomplishment of being included.

received a place on the list

Focuses on receiving or being granted a spot.

won a spot on the list

Implies a competitive element to gaining inclusion.

was ranked on the list

Specifically refers to instances where the list is a ranking.

FAQs

What does it mean to "gain a spot on the list"?

To "gain a spot on the list" means to be included or recognized in a selection, ranking, or compilation, often implying that some effort or qualification was required.

What can I say instead of "gained a spot on the list"?

You can use alternatives like "secured a position on the list", "earned a place on the list", or "made it onto the list" depending on the context.

How is "gaining a spot on the list" different from "being on the list"?

"Gaining a spot on the list" implies the process or achievement of being included, while "being on the list" simply states the current status of inclusion without emphasizing how it was achieved.

Is it appropriate to use "gained a spot on the list" in formal writing?

Yes, "gained a spot on the list" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the effort, qualification, or process involved in achieving the inclusion.