this is just a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is just a list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify that the content being referred to is simply a list without any additional context or elaboration. Example: "For your reference, this is just a list of the items we need to purchase for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is just a list.

The Guardian

If you think this is all a bit extreme as a reaction to the comments of a known oaf, consider the fact that if a female member of the media wrote the exact same piece – and really, this is just a list of things that happen every day in a lot of workplaces – it's highly likely that they'd cop unhinged abuse as a result.

The Guardian - Sport

This is just a list to get you started.

Huffington Post

And this is just a list of the first few films that pop into my head.

Huffington Post

But this is just a list of some good internet games.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"A Constant Scrolling List of Your Representatives Phone Numberss" This is just a continuous list of phone numbers for your government representatives.

The New Yorker

This is just a partial list, omitting documentaries and some smaller, independent films.

The New York Times

"This is just a check list of those measures," a senior Pentagon official said of the inquiry today.

The New York Times

In one sense, this is just a huge list of numbers — user No. 452 gave it two stars; No. 985 gave it five stars; and so on.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is just a scattershot list from off the top of my head, not a researched, comprehensive, or representative sampling it's really just a shovelful of enthusiasms; but most of these movies are, today, justifiably canonical.

The New Yorker

That is caused by Republicans in the House voting to gut the Clean Air Act and the Clean Drinking Water Act, by Republicans attacking women's right to birth control, by Republicans refusing to pass the normally overwhelmingly bipartisan transportation bill and by the Republicans' single-minded focus on pushing more and more money to the most wealthy (this is just a partial list).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, follow up with additional context that helps the reader understand the purpose or scope of the list, such as "this is just a list of potential solutions".

Common error

Avoid presenting a list introduced with "this is just a list" as a complete or definitive resource. Make it clear that there are other elements or considerations beyond those listed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is just a list" functions as an introductory statement to clarify that what follows is a simple enumeration of items. As Ludwig AI says, it's a correct and usable expression. This declaration helps to manage expectations, indicating that the list isn't exhaustive or definitive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is just a list" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a non-exhaustive compilation of items. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although it leans towards informality. It is frequently used in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, make it clear to the audience that the list is not exhaustive and that other relevant items may exist. Alternatives include "this is merely a list" or "this is simply a list" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is merely a list

Replaces "just" with "merely", emphasizing the simplicity of the list.

this is simply a list

Substitutes "just" with "simply", highlighting the straightforward nature of the list.

this is only a list

Replaces "just" with "only", indicating the list is not comprehensive.

this is a basic list

Replaces "just a list" with "a basic list", suggesting the list is foundational or introductory.

this is a limited list

Replaces "just a list" with "a limited list", conveying the list is not exhaustive.

this is a short list

Specifies that the list is not long or detailed.

this is a preliminary list

Indicates the list is subject to change or further additions.

this is an initial list

Suggests the list is the first version and may be expanded upon.

this is a sample list

Highlights that the list is representative but not exhaustive.

this is a partial list

Implies the list is incomplete and omits some items.

FAQs

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

Use "this is just a list" to introduce a set of items that are not exhaustive. For example, "This is just a list of potential vendors; we will evaluate others as well."

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

You can use alternatives like "this is merely a list", "this is simply a list", or "this is a partial list" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it formal to say "this is just a list"?

The phrase "this is just a list" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. For a more formal setting, use phrases like "this is merely a list" or "the following is a list".

What does "this is just a list" imply?

The phrase "this is just a list" implies that the items presented are not comprehensive or exhaustive and that there may be other relevant items not included.