list to one side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list to one side" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something has been moved or set aside for some reason. For example: "After emptying the closet, she listed the boxes to one side so she could vacuum the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Stand firmly on both feet; don't list to one side.

Stanford University

But it was Grandma, with her furtive sips of whisky and occasional blasts of vanilla-scented flatulence, that captured the imagination – despite a slight mishap on the Friday, when a snapped cable caused her head to list to one side and it appeared, for an awful moment, as if she might have suffered a stroke.

The Guardian

Nor will your jeans list to one side; the Peek weighs only 3.8 ounces.

The New York Times - Tech

The journey took longer than initially estimated, with a travelling speed of 1-1.5 knots an hour, and the rig, which was towed by two tugs, exhibited a severe list to one side once in the water.

The Guardian

Gutted homes with smashed windows list to one side.

The New York Times

His left foreleg stiffened, his brown eyes went glassy and he began to list to one side.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Since there's nothing to anchor the pole to, it lists to one side, as if hit by a truck.

The New Yorker

The white and green bus stood listing to one side, its panels and windows peppered with shrapnel and bullet marks.

The New York Times

The house listed to one side, and Kype realized why when he looked up a narrow set of steps and saw the flying bridge.

The New Yorker

He never heard of the disease until his son Brandon, who was 7, started drooling, losing his ability to concentrate and listing to one side when he walked.

The New York Times - Health

Yet as rendered by Mr. Greenspan, his body listing to one side and his voice pitched in a childlike murmur of reassurance, that most oversung of songs sounds fresh and heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "list to one side" in a more abstract sense, ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate act of setting something apart or giving preference. For example, "In the debate, the speaker seemed to list to one side of the argument."

Common error

Avoid using "list to one side" metaphorically if the context does not support the idea of deliberate separation or preference. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list to one side" typically functions as a verb phrase, often describing a state of imbalance or inclination. It can also function as part of a descriptive clause, detailing the physical appearance or condition of an object or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "list to one side" is a versatile expression that effectively conveys physical imbalance or the act of setting something apart. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use in written English. Its common presence in news and media, coupled with occasional appearances in academic and informal writing, highlights its adaptability. Whether describing a building tilting after an earthquake or setting aside an issue for later discussion, "list to one side" provides a concise and vivid way to communicate these ideas. Consider alternative phrasings like "tilt to one side" or "set aside" to further refine your message and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tilt to one side

Replaces "list" with "tilt", focusing on the angle of inclination.

lean to one side

Substitutes "list" with "lean", emphasizing the act of inclining or bending.

incline to one side

Replaces "list" with "incline", suggesting a more gradual or subtle angle.

slant to one side

Uses "slant" instead of "list", focusing on a diagonal direction.

set aside

Focuses on the action of putting something apart, rather than a physical lean.

put to one side

Similar to 'set aside' but with a slightly different verb choice.

bank to one side

Uses aviation or nautical term.

cant to one side

Emphasizes a sudden or abrupt tilt.

heel to one side

Nautical term for a vessel tilting, less commonly used outside of maritime contexts.

move to one side

Emphasizes the relocation aspect, but not necessarily inclining.

FAQs

How can I use "list to one side" in a sentence?

You can use "list to one side" to describe physical objects tilting, as in "The building "listed to one side" after the earthquake". It can also mean setting something aside for consideration.

What are some alternatives to "list to one side"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "tilt to one side", "lean to one side", or "set aside".

When is it appropriate to use "list to one side"?

Use "list to one side" when describing a clear physical imbalance or inclination, or when indicating that something is being deliberately separated or prioritized.

Is "list to one side" formal or informal?

"List to one side" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.