list them all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list them all" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase whenever you want to ask someone to list items in a particular category. For example, "I need some ideas for new birthday presents. Could you list them all for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pros: Impossible to list them all here.

The Guardian - Film

To list them all would take some time.

The New Yorker

It's pretty awesome when you list them all".

The Guardian - Sport

"If you don't list them all as mission critical, you're in trouble when disaster occurs".

The New York Times - Tech

With so many good zinfandels around, it is impossible to list them all.

The New York Times - Food

Her writings are so massive it would be hard to list them all here.

The New York Times

The database, Mr. Coburn said, would seek to list them all.

The New York Times

So many, I should add, that I'll no doubt fail to list them all.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not possible to list them all, or to rank their performances.

The New York Times

There was way too much talent among the new kids on the block to list them all here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recover afterwards Edinburgh has so many fine pubs and restaurants that several pages would be required to list them all.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "list them all", ensure the context makes clear what "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, precede it with a specific subject: "Here are the candidates; now, list them all."

Common error

Ensure the referent of "them" is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the context. Avoid using "list them all" when it's unclear what items are being requested to be listed to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list them all" functions as a command or request, prompting someone to enumerate a complete set of items. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it used in contexts where a full accounting is desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "list them all" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves as a command or request for a comprehensive enumeration of items. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, with a higher prevalence in News & Media. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure clarity regarding the referent of "them" to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "enumerate all of them" or "specify all items" can be used for a more formal tone. The phrase is versatile and applicable across many writing styles, but maintaining clarity is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

name every single one

Offers a more emphatic way of asking for a complete enumeration by using "name" instead of "list" and adding "every single one".

enumerate all of them

Replaces "list" with "enumerate", emphasizing a more formal and comprehensive counting or naming of items.

give a complete rundown

Replaces "list" with "give a rundown", suggesting a detailed account is to be provided.

itemize everything

Substitutes "list them all" with "itemize everything", focusing on presenting items in a detailed, item-by-item manner.

account for everything

Stresses the need to provide a record or explanation for each item, often in a formal or official context.

detail each one

Replaces "list them all" with "detail each one", highlighting the provision of specific details for every item.

provide a full inventory

Shifts the focus to offering a complete account or record, using the term "inventory" which is often associated with organized collections.

specify all items

Substitutes "list" with "specify", focusing on stating explicitly or identifying each item.

present a comprehensive catalog

Emphasizes a systematic and thorough listing, using the term "catalog" to suggest a structured collection of items.

recite them completely

Replaces "list" with "recite", emphasizing the act of saying aloud or repeating all items from memory or a given source.

FAQs

How can I use "list them all" in a sentence?

You can use "list them all" when you want someone to provide a complete enumeration of items. For example, "These are the available options; can you list them all?"

What's a more formal alternative to "list them all"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "enumerate all of them" or "specify all items" for a more professional tone.

Is it always necessary to "list them all", or can I provide a partial list?

Whether you need to "list them all" depends on the context. If completeness is crucial, then providing a full list is necessary. Otherwise, a partial list might suffice, but be sure to indicate that it's not exhaustive.

How does the meaning of "list them all" differ from "mention a few"?

"List them all" implies a comprehensive enumeration, while "mention a few" suggests only a subset of items will be presented. The choice depends on whether you need a complete or selective presentation.