lists of countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lists of countries" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to multiple compilations or collections of country names or data related to countries. Example: "The report includes several lists of countries categorized by their economic status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It also publishes lists of countries whose financial regulatory systems it deems helpful to money laundering.

The New York Times

The German airline Lufthansa and the UK's British Airways dropped Taiwan from their lists of countries.

The Guardian - Books

Consider definitions for "colonialism" and "imperialism," then use prior knowledge to brainstorm lists of countries involved in these practices.

The New York Times

Create a chart on the board showing the two lists of countries, "Imperialistic Countries" and "Countries That Have Been Colonized".

The New York Times

Some have lists of countries they "do not support" – for example, Guernsey-based Skipton International, part of Skipton building society, has a "restricted country list" that includes Australia, Russia and South Africa.

The Guardian - Money

Beijing maintains that the self-governed island is part of China, and has recently ramped up pressure on foreign companies that describe Taiwan as a country, with German airline Lufthansa and British Airways dropping Taiwan from their lists of countries.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The list of countries mentioned in the advertisement is correct.

The New York Times

The list of countries in which a grand coalition is working is a growing list.

The New York Times

Turkey topped the list of countries on U2's cultural boycott list.

The Guardian - Books

According to the Travelers Century Clubb and its "official list of countries," I have been in 150 countries.

The New York Times

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has a list of countries and regions with visa exemptions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lists of countries", ensure that the context clearly defines the criteria for inclusion in the list. For example, specify if it's a list of countries by population, GDP, or alphabetized order.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "list of countries" without specifying the selection criteria or acknowledging that the list may not be exhaustive. This can lead to misinterpretations and the impression of bias or omission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lists of countries" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to multiple compiled series of nations, categorized or grouped based on shared characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lists of countries" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to multiple compilations of nations, often categorized based on shared attributes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academic research, and scientific reports, generally maintaining a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood and serves to present information in an organized manner. When using "lists of countries", it's crucial to clearly define the criteria for inclusion and avoid presenting incomplete information to prevent misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "country lists" and "compilations of nations" can be used for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Country lists

Reverses the order of the words for brevity and conciseness.

Registers of countries

Substitutes "lists" with "registers", indicating an official record or listing.

Compilations of nations

Substitutes "lists" with "compilations" and "countries" with "nations", suggesting a gathered collection.

Rosters of nations

Replaces "lists" with "rosters", implying a list of members or participants.

National inventories

Replaces "countries" with "national", implying formal records of countries.

Directories of countries

Substitutes "lists" with "directories", suggesting an organized compilation for reference.

Catalogues of states

Replaces "lists" with "catalogues" and "countries" with "states", implying a more formal and organized arrangement.

Country indexes

Replaces "lists" with "indexes", suggesting a method of organization or reference.

Enumerations of countries

Replaces "lists" with "enumerations", emphasizing a counted or numbered collection.

Tables of countries

Substitutes "lists" with "tables", implying an arrangement in a tabular format.

FAQs

How can I use "lists of countries" in a sentence?

You can use "lists of countries" to introduce a compilation of nations based on a specific criterion. For example, "The report includes several lists of countries categorized by their economic status" or "The website provides lists of countries with visa requirements for US citizens".

What are some alternatives to "lists of countries"?

Alternatives include "country lists", "national inventories", or "compilations of nations". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "list of countries" and "lists of countries"?

"List of countries" refers to a single list, while "lists of countries" refers to multiple lists, each potentially organized by different criteria or representing different perspectives. For example, you might have a list of countries by population and another list of countries by GDP; together, they are "lists of countries".

When is it appropriate to use "catalogues of states" instead of "lists of countries"?

Using "catalogues of states" is more fitting in formal or academic settings when presenting organized and structured information about countries. It implies a systematic classification, whereas "lists of countries" is more general and versatile.