scan the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scan the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to quickly look through a list to find specific information or items. Example: "Please scan the list of participants to see if your name is included."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

When you scan the list, some obvious questions leap to mind.

The New York Times

And it's hard to believe he didn't scan the list of previous Oprah's Book Club selections and note how many were written by women.

The New York Times - Books

Or — like me — does he just scan the list of incoming calls to see who called, but never actually listen to the messages?

The New Yorker

Immediately find the first Departures board, scan the list of cities for our destination, confirm the flight number and develop your plan for getting to the gate.

The Economist

We scan the list over and over again, desperately seeking a way to expand on our victory but the first few reads don't really yield anything.

The New York Times

That's not particularly surprising, either, when you scan the list of new musicals and absorb how many of them didn't have any role at all for a leading lady.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Already, the young men ask to scan the lists of arrivals, looking for friends and enemies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ask students to scan the lists, then ask, "If an alien were to land on Earth and judge who we are and what we value as a culture by these lists, what would he, she or it think about us?

The New York Times

Perhaps chemists interested in plant products might scan the lists of sources, but that is all.

British Journal of Cancer

At Bellevue Hospital Center, Mrs. Mohammed scanned the list and turned away.

The New York Times

Sometimes I find myself scanning the List for my name.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to quickly find specific information, use "scan the list" to imply a rapid but focused search.

Common error

While "scan the list" is acceptable, opt for more formal alternatives like "review the document" or "examine the inventory" in professional settings to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scan the list" functions as a directive, instructing someone to perform a quick review of a list. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scan the list" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that instructs a quick review of a list. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that while widely acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional settings. Understanding the nuances of when and how to use "scan the list" can greatly enhance clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check the directory

Replaces "scan" with "check" for a simpler action, and "list" with "directory", implying a structured list.

review the inventory

Replaces "list" with "inventory", implying a more formal or detailed examination.

skim through the record

Uses "skim through" to mean a quick reading, with "record" as an alternative to "list".

look over the agenda

Uses "look over" for a casual review, and "agenda" in place of "list", specifying a meeting plan.

go over the catalog

Substitutes "scan" with "go over" and "list" with "catalog", suggesting a methodical review.

examine the roster

Uses "examine" instead of "scan" to indicate a more thorough check and "roster" in place of "list".

survey the items

Replaces "scan" with "survey" to indicate a general overview, and "list" with "items".

peruse the document

Changes "scan" to "peruse" to suggest a careful and leisurely reading, while "document" replaces "list".

inspect the manifest

Replaces "scan" with "inspect" suggesting a careful and critical examination and "manifest" instead of "list".

browse the database

Substitutes "scan" with "browse" and "list" with "database", implying a less structured form of review.

FAQs

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

You can use "scan the list" to instruct someone to quickly review a set of items, such as "Please "scan the list" of attendees to see if your name is included".

What are some alternatives to "scan the list"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "review the list", "check the list", or "go over the list".

Is there a difference between "scan the list" and "read the list"?

"Scan the list" implies a quick overview, while "read the list" suggests a more thorough examination of each item.

Which is more appropriate, "scan the list" or "skim the list"?

Both ""scan the list"" and "skim the list" suggest a quick review. "Scan" implies looking for something specific, while "skim" means a general overview without necessarily looking for a particular item.