list something off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list something off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to recite or enumerate items from a list or collection. Example: "Can you list off the names of the participants in the meeting?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I hear Jeff and know if he's taking something off our mutual to-do list," Rich said.

The New York Times

With an understanding of the role of their medicines, participants described moving them to the must-have list and taking off something else that was a want.

Johns Hopkins University

Do the dishes...feed the dog...sign the permission slip...get the boys in their bath...! If we grade ourselves based on whether we got everything on our list accomplished, we're going to feel like we're failing because...drum roll please... Every time you check something off the list, a new task will appear.

Huffington Post

"But at least I've crossed something off the list now".

Independent

Izzard himself is gobsmacked: "I feel like I'm doing something off the list".

The Guardian

Unless, of course, people decide to buy something off the list, as you did -- then you don't need a gift registry at all.

The New York Times - Tech

Try crossing something off your list simply because you realize you don't really need to do that thing...ever...ever

Forbes

When you do, you end up adding extra noise just to check something off your list, without providing content that your audience wants to read or watch.

Forbes

For example, few can argue that alphabetizing your CD collection is a major investment in your future but, hey, it feels good to check something off your list, doesn't it?

Science Magazine

Of course, there are already a number of time trackers, to do lists, and reminder apps on today's App Store, but Time is more focused on helping you accomplish your goals rather than just checking something off a list or logging your activities.

TechCrunch

ME TOO! Love to cross something off my list!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "list something off" when you want to emphasize the action of verbally reciting items from a list, rather than simply referring to the list itself.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions other than "off" with "list". "List something from" or "list something on" are not standard and should be avoided. Use "list something off" for correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list something off" functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of reciting or enumerating items from a list or collection. Based on Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "list something off" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of reciting items from a list. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is suitable for use in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase appears in contexts such as news media, formal business communications, and science, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the source list. Alternatives include "enumerate from a list" and "recite from a list".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enumerate from a list

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal single verb and specifies the source.

recite from a list

Focuses on verbalizing items, similar to listing but emphasizing the oral aspect.

itemise from a list

Highlights the act of specifying each item individually from a set.

detail from a list

Stresses providing comprehensive information from a predefined set.

specify from a list

Emphasizes being precise and clear about selected items.

catalogue from a list

Implies creating a structured inventory when enumerating items.

itemize things

Focuses on enumerating details but omits the list as the point of origin is obvious from the context.

recite items

Highlights the act of verbalization while removing explicit mention of the list.

go through the items

Focuses on the act of reviewing or presenting an entire listing, element by element.

run through the list

Indicates a quick or cursory recitation of the items in a list.

FAQs

How can I use "list something off" in a sentence?

You can use "list something off" when you want someone to recite or enumerate items from a list. For example, "Can you list off the names of the participants?"

What does "list something off" mean?

The phrase "list something off" means to recite or enumerate items from a list or collection, typically verbally.

What are some alternatives to "list something off"?

You can use alternatives such as "enumerate from a list", "recite from a list", or "itemize from a list" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "list something from" instead of "list something off"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "list" in this context is "off". "List something from" is not standard usage.