small list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small list" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a list that is not very long or extensive. Example: "I made a small list of groceries I need to buy at the store: milk, bread, and eggs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Just a small list, Santa.

Independent

But it's difficult with a small list".

The New York Times

The result is a small list of exceptionally high quality.

The Guardian - Books

THE BAR Small list of wines (by glass and the bottle) and beer.

The New York Times

Irving has a decent though small list of wines by the glass and beers.

The New York Times - Food

Dinner for two with a bottle of house wine (there is also a small list): $38.

The New York Times - Travel

The small list of beer and wine is perfunctory, but not so the juices.

The New York Times - Food

First, with 27 member states it is hard to have a small list of priorities.

The Economist

The tough part is the the small list, the one that's really under active consideration.

The New York Times

Crupi and Rosen have a small list for this select sale of about 140 horses.

The New York Times - Sports

Selection of cocktails and margaritas, and small list of wine and beer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "small list", ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria that define the list as 'small'. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "small list" when the list is, in fact, quite extensive. Ensure that the adjective accurately reflects the quantity of items included to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small list" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "list". It describes the characteristic of the list being limited in size or quantity, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small list" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a list containing a limited number of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for use in various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science and it's useful to clearly describe the size of a collection of items. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring the list is indeed small to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short list

Emphasizes brevity and conciseness in the compilation.

limited list

Highlights the restricted number of items included.

concise list

Focuses on the brief and succinct nature of the list.

narrowed list

Suggests a selection process has reduced the list's size.

select list

Implies the list contains carefully chosen items.

handful of items

Uses a more figurative expression to denote a small quantity.

brief inventory

Replaces 'list' with 'inventory' to suggest a summary.

short compilation

Uses compilation in order to change the noun.

minimal selection

Emphasizes the small quantity of items selected.

compact directory

Suggests a small and efficient reference guide.

FAQs

How can I use "small list" in a sentence?

You can use "small list" to describe a limited number of items, such as "I have a "small list" of things to do today" or "The restaurant has a "small list" of wines".

What are some alternatives to "small list"?

Alternatives include "short list", "limited list", or "concise list", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "small list" or "short list"?

Both "small list" and "short list" are acceptable and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Short list" might be slightly more common in some usages.

What does it mean when someone says they have a "small list"?

It generally means they have a limited or concise set of items, tasks, or options to consider. The exact number implied by "small" can vary depending on the context.