make an inventory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an inventory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to creating a list of items or supplies. For example: "Let's make an inventory of all the tools we need for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

6. Make an inventory of your past indiscretions.

The New York Times - Magazine

The police make an inventory of the deceased's belongings.

The Guardian - Books

Place Matters has repeatedly recommended that the commission make an inventory of potential cultural landmarks.

The New York Times

It took me more like 12 hours to make an inventory.

The New York Times

A successful landing on 12 November will allow Rosetta to make an inventory of the molecules on 67P.

The Guardian

We have to make an inventory of what we have and what would be of interest," she said.

The New York Times

The neighbor advises her to make an inventory of her belongings and take out theft insurance as a precaution.

The New Yorker

If you are letting a furnished property, it is essential to make an inventory of all your possessions.

The Guardian - Money

After Elisa Breton's death in early 2000 and the transfer of Breton's Wall to the Pompidou, Mrs. Breton Elléouët decided to make an inventory of the collection.

The New York Times - Arts

"First, do a mind sweep and make an inventory of all the projects that need to be taken care of this year," Mr. Allen said.

The New York Times

If not, how about a Roth I.R.A.? What assets are available to you? Make an inventory of your sources of capital.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make an inventory", be specific about what you are inventorying. For example, specify if it's "make an inventory of your skills" or "make an inventory of the company's assets".

Common error

Avoid creating a superficial inventory. A thorough inventory requires detailed descriptions and accurate quantities to be truly useful. Do not simply list items without context or relevant information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an inventory" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating a comprehensive list or catalog. It's commonly used to describe the process of identifying and recording items, resources, or characteristics, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an inventory" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of creating a detailed list or catalog. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to inform and organize, often appearing in neutral to professional contexts. Predominantly found in Science and News & Media sources, the phrase encourages specificity and thoroughness in listing items or skills. To enhance clarity, remember to define what you are inventorying. Alternatives such as "compile a list" or "take stock" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw up an inventory

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the creation or drafting of the inventory.

compile a list

Focuses on creating a list without necessarily implying a comprehensive assessment.

take stock

Implies an assessment or evaluation, often in a business context.

carry out an assessment

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect of understanding what's present.

conduct a survey

Suggests a broader investigation or assessment of a situation or collection.

assess assets

Specifically refers to evaluating and listing valuable items or properties.

catalog items

Focuses specifically on creating a catalog or organized list of items.

determine holdings

Emphasizes the identification and confirmation of possessions or assets.

enumerate resources

Highlights the act of counting and listing available resources.

audit possessions

Implies a formal examination of belongings or assets.

FAQs

How can I use "make an inventory" in a sentence?

You can use "make an inventory" to describe the action of creating a list of items. For example: "Before the move, let's "make an inventory" of all the furniture.".

What are some alternatives to "make an inventory"?

Alternatives to "make an inventory" include "compile a list", "draw up an inventory", or "take stock", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "make an inventory" or "conduct a survey"?

"Make an inventory" is best when you need a detailed list of items. "Conduct a survey" is more appropriate when you are gathering opinions or data from a group of people, rather than listing items.

What's the difference between "assess assets" and "make an inventory"?

Assess assets focuses on evaluating the value and condition of possessions, while "make an inventory" is simply creating a detailed list.