make the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the list" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a task that needs to be done in order to create a list of items. For example, "We need to make the list of supplies before going to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Didn't make the list.

Independent

Oil does not usually make the list.

The New York Times

Texas did not make the list.

The New York Times

Plants don't make the list.

The Guardian

Could he make the list?

Princeton University

* Make the list doubly-linked.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cruise did not make the list.

The Guardian - Film

Viva Forever did not make the list.

The Guardian

Rio does not even make the list.

The Guardian

Terrorism didn't even make the list.

The New Yorker

In total, 13 novels make the list.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make the list", ensure the context clearly indicates what list you are referring to. If it's not immediately obvious, specify the list's purpose or criteria.

Common error

Avoid using "make the list" without specifying which list you're referring to. This can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't know the context. Always provide enough information to identify the list in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the list" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It is used to describe the action of creating a list or the achievement of being included on a pre-existing list. Ludwig indicates that this is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make the list" is a versatile and commonly used expression that can describe either creating a list or being included on one. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity about which list you are referring to. While it is used across various platforms, "make the list" maintains a fairly neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Consider alternatives like "qualify for the list" or ""compile the list"" depending on your desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be included on the list

Focuses on the state of being on the list, rather than the action of creating or qualifying for it.

Qualify for the list

Emphasizes the act of meeting the criteria to be added to the list.

Appear on the list

Highlights the presence on the list, similar to 'be included' but more direct.

Get on the list

An informal way of saying to be included or added to a list.

Compile the list

Refers to the action of putting the list together, often involving multiple items.

Create the list

A more general term for generating a list.

Draft the list

Suggests a preliminary or initial version of the list.

Formulate the list

Indicates a more formal and structured approach to creating the list.

Draw up the list

Implies a careful and deliberate creation of the list.

Put together the list

An informal way to say compile the list, often implying a practical approach.

FAQs

How can I use "make the list" in a sentence?

You can use "make the list" to describe the action of creating a list, or being included in a list. For example, "We need to "compile the list" of attendees" or "She worked hard to "be included on the list" of top performers".

What is the difference between "make the list" and "be on the list"?

"Make the list" refers to the action of creating or compiling the list, while "be on the list" refers to the state of being included in the list that has already been created. For example, "The committee will "create the list" of candidates", and "Only qualified applicants will "appear on the list"".

Which is correct, "make the list" or "make a list"?

Both "make the list" and "make a list" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Make a list" refers to the general act of creating any list. "Make the list" refers to creating or being added to a specific list that is already known or defined.

What can I say instead of "make the list"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""compile the list"", "qualify for the list", or ""be included on the list"".