this is a list of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a list of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a list of items, topics, or points that will follow in your text. Example: "This is a list of the top ten books to read this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a list of selected planets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a list of suggested readings.

Princeton University

This is a list of principal revelations by the Guardian.

The Guardian

This is a list of some of the biggest.

The Guardian - Money

"This is a list of open-access journals by field.

Harvard University

This is a list of 13 major crises that, I believe, confront us.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a list of frequently asked questions about participation and moderation through our services.

The Times

This is a list of significant beetles and weevils, ordered alphabetically by common name and family.

Britannica

This is a list of notable rabbis, ordered alphabetically by country or place of residence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a list of cities and towns in Argentina, ordered alphabetically by province (provincia).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a list of hobbies organized alphabetically by type of activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is a list of", ensure the list that follows is well-organized and consistent in format (e.g., bullet points, numbered list, comma-separated).

Common error

Avoid using "this is a list of" without actually providing a list immediately afterward. Ensure the promised enumeration is present to maintain credibility and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a list of" functions as an introductory phrase to enumerate a series of items. It serves as a signal to the reader that a structured collection of information will follow. As Ludwig indicates, it's a grammatically correct and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a list of" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce enumerated items. As Ludwig confirms, its widespread use across encyclopedias, news media, and academic writing demonstrates its broad applicability and neutrality. To use it effectively, ensure that a well-organized list follows, and consider diversifying with synonyms like "here is a list of" to avoid repetition. Avoiding the error of promising a list but failing to provide one will enhance clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

here is a list of

Slightly more direct and immediate in tone compared to "this is a list of".

the following is a list of

More formal and often used when introducing a list within a document or formal context.

included below is a list of

Indicates the list is physically positioned after the introductory statement.

presented here is a list of

Highlights that the list is being shown or made available in the current context.

what follows is a list of

Emphasizes that the list will come immediately after the current statement.

a compilation of

Refers to a collected set of items, possibly gathered from various sources.

a catalog of

Implies a more organized and detailed list, often with descriptions or specifications.

a summary of

Suggests a condensed version of a larger set of information, highlighting key points.

an inventory of

Describes a complete and detailed list, typically of items or resources.

a rundown of

Offers an informal overview, typically used for quickly conveying essential information.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a list of" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a list of" to introduce various items, such as "This is a list of the ingredients needed for the recipe", or "This is a list of the countries I want to visit".

What can I say instead of "this is a list of"?

You can use alternatives like "here is a list of", "the following is a list of", or "included below is a list of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "this are a list of"?

No, "this are a list of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "this is a list of", because "this" is singular and requires the singular verb "is".

What's the difference between "this is a list of" and "these are a list of"?

"This is a list of" introduces a single list, while "these are" requires a plural noun following, but you should use instead alternatives like "these are examples of" or "these are types of".