making a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of compiling items, tasks, or information in a list format. Example: "I spent the afternoon making a list of all the groceries I need to buy for the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's making a list.

The New Yorker

Relief came with making a list.

The New York Times - Books

We've been making a list.

The Guardian - Sport

thewellingtonpub.com He's making a list.

The Guardian - Travel

She recommended making a list or sharing an electronic calendar.

The New York Times

"We've created some positions," Clinton said, making a list.

The New York Times

The Miser is making a list of appropriately frivolous activities.

The New York Times - Arts

So making a list of overall champions might seem predictable.

The New York Times

While we're making a list, is there anything else?

The Economist

I've also been making a list of good stories.

The New Yorker

By making a list of what you learned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before starting a new project, "making a list" of necessary resources and steps ensures preparedness and minimizes potential roadblocks.

Common error

Avoid "making a list" once and forgetting about it. Regularly review and update your lists to ensure they remain relevant and effective, especially in dynamic environments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a list" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of creating a list. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples where it serves as the subject or part of a subject in sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

38%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making a list" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of compiling items or tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, this phrase serves to organize thoughts, plan activities, or simply keep track of information. While the phrase is generally informal, its application is versatile, spanning from personal organization to professional planning. Alternatives such as "compiling a list" or "creating a list" can be used depending on the context. Regular reviews and updates are essential to maintain the relevance of any list.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compiling a list

Focuses on gathering items into a structured format.

listing the items

A more literal description of the act of listing.

devising a checklist

Emphasis on creating a list for verification purposes.

creating an inventory

Implies a comprehensive listing, often for stock or assets.

drawing up a catalog

Suggests a more formal or detailed arrangement.

preparing a rundown

Highlights summarizing essential points in a list format.

putting together a registry

Connotes a deliberate collection for record-keeping.

formulating a directory

Implies assembling contact details or resources systematically.

drafting a schedule

More specific to time-related items and planning.

assembling a collection

Focuses more on gathering items, often with a theme or purpose.

FAQs

How can "making a list" improve productivity?

"Making a list" helps prioritize tasks, allocate resources efficiently, and track progress, leading to increased productivity and better time management.

What are some digital alternatives to "making a list" on paper?

Digital alternatives include using apps like Todoist, Google Keep, or Trello, which offer features like reminders, collaboration, and categorization to enhance list-making.

Is "making a list" the same as "creating a list"?

Yes, "making a list" and "creating a list" are generally interchangeable and convey the same meaning of compiling items into a list format.

When is it more appropriate to use "compiling a list" instead of "making a list"?

Compiling a list might be more appropriate in formal or technical contexts where a more methodical or comprehensive approach to gathering information is implied, as opposed to the more general act of "making a list".