list consists of

USAGE SUMMARY

"list consists of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use the phrase when you are talking about a list that contains a certain number of items. For example, "This list consists of ten items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The list consists of 6,000 names and 4,000 e-mail addresses).

The New York Times

China apart, the list consists of economies too small to move the world's stock indices.

The Economist

That list consists of traditional dog names like Max, which 942 dogs answer to in the five boroughs.

The New York Times - Sports

The list consists of 156 companies, accounting for 97 percent of what Apple says it pays to its suppliers.

The New York Times - Tech

A large part of their list consists of reprinted but often forgotten books by women, many of which have sold extremely well.

The Guardian - Books

The list consists of 42 men (there are 38 players on the women's list) who are expected to shine in 2012.

The Guardian - Sport

An also-eligible list consists of horses that can draw into a race after entries are taken if others are withdrawn.

The New York Times - Sports

A lower tier, labelled "Watch List", consists of countries that are trying, but not hard enough or with good enough results.

The Economist

The list consists of lesser versions of the full charges, which could send the soldier to prison for life without parole.

The New York Times

The list consists of German aria recitals by Karita Mattila and Thomas Quasthoff Wagnerr arias from Bryn Terfel; Wagner scenes from Plácido Domingo; and a complete "Tannhäuser" conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

The New York Times - Arts

The complete list consists of the aforementioned artists plus Chic, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the Marvelettes, Nine Inch Nails, NWA, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Spinners, Sting, Stevie Ray Vaughn, War and Bill Withers.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "list consists of", ensure that the items you are listing are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid confusing "consists of" with "is composed of". While similar, "consists of" describes what a list contains, whereas "is composed of" describes what elements form a whole. Ensure you're using the phrase that accurately reflects the relationship between the list and its items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list consists of" functions as a linking phrase used to introduce the elements or items that are included in a particular list. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to enumerate the components of the subject list.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "list consists of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for introducing the elements contained within a list. Ludwig confirms its correctness, highlighting its function as a clear and organized way to enumerate items. While suitable for various contexts, it is frequently found in scientific and news-related content. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "list includes" or "list comprises", depending on the intended nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure that the listed items are well-defined and contextually relevant to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Common errors include confusing the phrase with "is composed of", so attention to detail is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

list is composed of

Replaces "consists" with "is composed", emphasizing the elements that make up the list.

list is made up of

Expresses the composition of the list using the phrase "is made up of".

list comprises

Substitutes "consists" with "comprises", indicating that the list is made up of the mentioned items.

list includes

Uses "includes" to indicate that the list contains the specified items, but might not be exhaustive.

list contains

Uses "contains" to show that the list holds or includes the items mentioned.

list features

Replaces "consists" with "features", highlighting the prominent elements of the list.

list encompasses

Employs "encompasses" to suggest that the list covers or includes a broad range of items.

list incorporates

Substitutes "consists" with "incorporates", indicating that the list integrates specific items.

list embodies

Uses "embodies" to convey that the list represents or exemplifies certain elements.

list details

Replaces "consists" with "details", focusing on the specific items outlined in the list.

FAQs

How do I use "list consists of" in a sentence?

Use "list consists of" to introduce the items included in a particular list. For example, "The "final list" consists of the top ten candidates." Always ensure the items are relevant to the list's purpose.

What are some alternatives to using "list consists of"?

You can use phrases like "list includes", "list comprises", or "list contains" as alternatives. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the list is consisted of"?

No, "the list is consisted of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "the "list consists of"". The verb "consist" does not take a passive form in this context.

What's the difference between "list consists of" and "list is composed of"?

While similar, ""list consists of"" describes the elements a list contains, whereas "list is composed of" describes the elements that form a whole. The subtle difference lies in whether you are describing inclusion or formation.