the list comprises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the list comprises" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to introduce a list of items or points, as in the sentence: "The list comprises seven items, including apples, oranges, and bananas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The list comprises cities that performed below average on labor and housing market metrics.

The Washington Post

The list comprises 32 states, but the actual number of "official" opponents in those states is smaller.

The Washington Post

The list comprises many old faces, and it raises questions as to whether the poll due to take place on Saturday will be truly representative across ethnic lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

The independent transport watchdog surveyed more than 28,000 passengers and the list comprises 56 stations where at least 100 people responded.

The Guardian - Travel

The list comprises devices used to introduce the illusion of three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, methods of paint application, and different mediums chosen by the artist to create the desired visual effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In total, the list comprises 60 corporates, VC firms, and 'fund of funds'.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The list comprised 121 species.

The New Yorker

The list comprised of those seats targeted by the ACTU in their largest ground campaign since Your Rights At Work unseated John Howard in 2007.

The Guardian - Opinion

The list comprised preferred drugs available to be prescribed in Michigan's Medicaid program with few if any restrictions.

Forbes

A White House spokesperson told The Huffington Post's Sam Stein that the list comprised "ISIS or ISIS-related attacks on Western targets from [2014-16], ***MofT*** of which were not widely reported on".

Huffington Post

The list comprised 13 antigens and 11 cytokines.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the list comprises" to introduce a formal enumeration of items, especially when precision and completeness are important.

Common error

Ensure that the items following "the list comprises" are exhaustive, or clarify if the list is non-exhaustive (e.g., "the list comprises, but is not limited to...").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the list comprises" functions as an introductory phrase to enumerate or specify the elements or components that constitute a particular list. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

0%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the list comprises" is a grammatically sound and useful way to introduce a detailed enumeration of items. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to clearly specify the contents of a list, making it particularly suitable for formal contexts such as scientific writing, news reports, and business documents. While alternatives like "the list includes" exist, "the list comprises" carries a tone of completeness and precision. When using this phrase, ensure that the ensuing list is either exhaustive or appropriately qualified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the list includes

This alternative is less formal and more commonly used.

the list consists of

This phrase is slightly more verbose and emphasizes the composition of the list.

the list contains

This alternative is more general and focuses on the presence of items within the list.

the list encompasses

This option suggests a more comprehensive inclusion of items.

the list features

This alternative emphasizes notable or important items within the list.

the list is composed of

This phrase is more formal and highlights the arrangement or construction of the list.

the list is made up of

This is a more informal and common way to express the list's composition.

the listing details

This alternative provides a focus on the detailed information provided on the list.

the inventory specifies

This phrasing is suitable in contexts where a precise record of items is needed.

the register enumerates

This formal alternative is often used in official or legal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "the list comprises" to introduce a set of items, such as "The list comprises three main points: clarity, conciseness, and accuracy."

What are some alternatives to "the list comprises"?

You can use alternatives like "the list includes", "the list consists of", or "the list contains" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the list is comprised of"?

While "the list is comprised of" is commonly used, some consider it less formal than "the list comprises". The latter is generally preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "the list comprises" and "the list includes"?

"The list comprises" usually suggests a complete listing, whereas "the list includes" implies that there may be other items not mentioned.