the list is not exhaustive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the list is not exhaustive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that the list you have presented is not comprehensive and may include other items not mentioned. For example, "Here is a list of some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Rome, but the list is not exhaustive; there are many other places to go and explore in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The list is not exhaustive, but it certainly is exhausting.

The Guardian - Books

The list is not exhaustive.

The New York Times

But the list is not exhaustive.

The New York Times

Keep in mind that the list is not exhaustive.

The New York Times

Some examples of training courses in impact evaluation – the list is not exhaustive.

The Guardian

Greenleaf, Evidence, vol. 1, § 79. 4 The list is not exhaustive.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The list isn't exhaustive — exhausting, perhaps but not exhaustive — but includes some points to ponder.

Los Angeles Times

The list isn't exhaustive, there are many smaller suppliers out there, many of which I've written about here or on my own blog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While we reviewed a broad representation of tools and systems, we recognise the list was not exhaustive.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Next, although a relatively wide range of potential predictors of switching was examined, the list was not exhaustive.

BMC Psychiatry

Details you may glean from the text involve the following (this list is not exhaustive): Who is the speaker?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the list is not exhaustive", follow it with an indication of where additional information can be found, or that additional items may exist but are not immediately relevant.

Common error

Avoid presenting the list as if it covers all possibilities. Make it clear that it's a selection by stating "the list is not exhaustive" early on. Don't let the reader assume it's comprehensive without being explicitly told otherwise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the list is not exhaustive" functions as a disclaimer. It indicates that the information provided is not comprehensive and there might be additional unlisted items or considerations. Ludwig confirms this usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the list is not exhaustive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used disclaimer, indicating that a given list is not comprehensive. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia, shows that it serves to manage reader expectations and clarify that the provided information is selective, not complete. Alternatives such as "this is not a complete list" or "the following is not a comprehensive list" can be used to convey a similar meaning. It's important to be upfront about the list's limitations to avoid misleading readers. The phrase appears with enough frequency to be considered common parlance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is not a complete list

Focuses on the list's incompleteness, emphasizing that items are missing.

the following is not a comprehensive list

Highlights the lack of comprehensiveness, suggesting a more thorough compilation is possible.

this list is indicative, not definitive

Emphasizes that the list suggests rather than defines all possibilities.

this is a partial list

Directly states that the list only includes some of the items.

the enumeration is not all-inclusive

Uses a more formal tone to express that not everything is included.

other items may apply

Suggests the possibility of additional relevant items not listed.

this list is not all-encompassing

Highlights that the list does not cover every possibility or aspect.

the above list is not all-inclusive

Specifies that items from the provided list are not all that is necessary.

the list provided is not finite

Indicates the list can grow or is subject to additional items.

this overview is limited

Signifies the scope presented here is partial or simplified.

FAQs

What does "the list is not exhaustive" mean?

It means that the list provided is not complete and there may be other items or possibilities not mentioned.

How can I use "the list is not exhaustive" in a sentence?

You can use it to clarify that a list you've provided is not all-inclusive, for example: "Here are some examples, but "the list is not exhaustive".".

What are some alternatives to saying "the list is not exhaustive"?

Alternatives include "this is not a complete list", "the following is not a comprehensive list", or "this is a partial list".

When is it appropriate to use "the list is not exhaustive"?

Use it when you want to be upfront that the list you are presenting is not all-encompassing and there could be other relevant items or information not included.