going down the list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going down the list of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to something that is being checked off one by one. For example, "I'm going down the list of chores to make sure I don't miss any."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Going down the list of the top-earning films of 2010, you have to get to No. 13 (Grown Ups, starring Adam Sandler) before you get to a non-animated comedy.

Forbes

Kelly and his lieutenants began going down the list of Southwest sacraments: short hauls only, no travel agents, no first-class cabins, no tickets, no meals, no gates at major airports and no extra fees.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Go down the list of senators whose names are Dick, Tom, Al, Joe and not their Christian names, as we used to say.

The New York Times

When Republicans go down the list of people to thank, national Democrats — whose relative liberalism pushed conservatives out of the Texas Democratic Party — will be on it.

The New York Times

Going down the list you will find a type of dimension called "angular".

WikiHow

Karl went down the list of stars: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and even Ray Allen.

The New York Times - Sports

When you go down the list of all the people I know, they're all really smart.

The New Yorker

"You can go down the list of all the urban problems — homelessness, having no money, on probation," he said.

The New York Times

He would say that was a good idea, and then go down the list of large tax expenditures.

The New York Times

Then he goes down the list of the diseases that afflict preteens who get Type 2 diabetes.

The New York Times

He went down the list of what we would now call transformative Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. While appropriate in many contexts, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "reviewing the list of".

Common error

Avoid using "going down the list of" when you are not actually addressing each item individually. The phrase implies a systematic approach, not a general overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going down the list of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used as part of a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, this phrase describes the action of systematically reviewing or processing items on a list in a sequential manner, which is also reflected in the examples found.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going down the list of" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of systematically reviewing items on a list. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, and it carries a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects a methodical approach to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases, such as "reviewing the list of", can offer alternative ways to convey the same meaning with varying degrees of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

systematically reviewing the list of

Adds emphasis to the structured and methodical nature of the review process.

reviewing the list of

Replaces "going down" with a more direct action of reviewing. Emphasizes a more formal or structured approach to examining the list.

methodically inspecting the list of

Focuses on a careful, detailed inspection performed with a set procedure.

examining the list of

Similar to reviewing, but with a more detailed and investigative connotation. Highlights a closer inspection of each item.

checking off the items on the list of

Emphasizes the action of marking items as completed or verified, adding a sense of progress and task management.

working through the list of

Focuses on the process of methodically addressing each item. Suggests a sustained effort to complete the list.

addressing each item on the list of

Highlights the act of dealing with or resolving each item individually. Implies a problem-solving or action-oriented approach.

considering the items on the list of

Emphasizes thoughtful evaluation or contemplation of each item, shifting focus to assessment rather than action.

processing the entries on the list of

Implies a transformation or manipulation of each item, common in data-related or computational contexts.

enumerating the items on the list of

Highlights the act of counting or specifying each item, adding a level of formality and precision.

FAQs

How can I use "going down the list of" in a sentence?

You can use "going down the list of" to describe a sequential review or action. For example, "The manager is "going down the list of" employee performance reports to identify areas for improvement.".

What are some alternatives to "going down the list of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reviewing the list of", "examining the list of", or "working through the list of".

Is it correct to say "goes down the list of" instead of "going down the list of"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Going down the list of" is often part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "He is going down the list of names"), while "goes down the list of" is used in simple present tense to describe a habitual action (e.g., "Every week, she goes down the list of tasks.").

What does "going down the list of" imply?

The phrase "going down the list of" implies a systematic and sequential approach to reviewing or addressing items on a list. It suggests that each item is being considered individually in a specific order.