the following is a list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the following is a list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a list of items, points, or examples that will follow in the text. Example: "The following is a list of recommended books for further reading on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The following is a list of exhibition locations, as provided by Mr. Cuomo's office:.

The New York Times

The following is a list of rules that will take effect almost immediately.

The New York Times

The following is a list of actual knot names that sound, to me, kind of dirty.

The New Yorker

The following is a list of the 37 new cardinals named today by Pope John Paul II.

The New York Times

The following is a list of some of the major plants in the family, ordered alphabetically by common name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The following is a list of doctors of the church, organized alphabetically by place of origin or residence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The following is a list of some of the major genera and species in Ericaceae, arranged alphabetically by common name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The following is a list of the biggest stories from last year.

TechCrunch

The following is a list of the publications mentioned in the articles below.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The following is a list of 10 of the most common mistakes companies make when pricing their products and services.

TechCrunch

The following is a list of the common mistakes developer-focused companies make when pricing their products and services.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the list introduced by "the following is a list of" is clearly formatted and directly relevant to the preceding context for enhanced readability.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases before or after "the following is a list of". For instance, don't say "The following is a list of items that are:", as it creates unnecessary repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the following is a list of" functions as an introductory phrase. It prepares the reader for an enumeration of items, examples, or points. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in introducing subsequent items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the following is a list of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in signaling that a list of items, examples, or points will be presented. While versatile across various contexts, it is most prevalent in Wiki articles, News & Media, and Encyclopedias, maintaining a generally neutral to professional tone. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "here are the items" or "below are the items", while avoiding redundancy to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subsequent items are

Similar in formality, but emphasizes the sequential nature of the items.

below are the items

Indicates that the items will be presented directly after this phrase.

the items include

Focuses on the items themselves rather than presenting a formal list.

here are the items

More direct and less formal than "the following is a list of".

the breakdown includes

Focuses more specifically on what the breakdown consists of.

included are

Inverts the structure while retaining the function of introducing items.

here's a breakdown of

More conversational and implies a structured presentation.

the enumeration encompasses

More formal and emphasizes completeness.

the details consist of

More detailed and specific, implies an explanation of component parts.

the inventory comprises

Suggests a comprehensive listing, often used in technical or formal contexts.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "the following is a list of"?

You can use alternatives such as "here are the items", "below are the items", or "the items include" depending on the context and desired formality.

How do I properly format a list introduced by "the following is a list of"?

After the phrase "the following is a list of", present your list using bullet points, numbers, or dashes for clarity. Ensure each item is concise and relevant to the introductory phrase.

Is "the following is a list of" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "the following is a list of" is suitable for formal writing. However, in more casual contexts, phrases like "here is a list of" or "here are the items" might be more appropriate.

What is the grammatical function of the phrase "the following is a list of"?

The phrase "the following is a list of" serves as an introductory phrase that signals the presentation of a list. It prepares the reader for an enumeration of items, points, or examples.