this list is incomplete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this list is incomplete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a list does not contain all the necessary items or information. Example: "Please note that this list is incomplete and additional items may need to be added later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This list is incomplete, but it always will be, because the language of rights is just the language of policy: a list of beliefs about an ideal society.

The New York Times - Arts

This list is incomplete – it is more of an initial outline than an exhaustive register.

European Journal of Futures Research

This list is incomplete.

Vice

It is accepted that this list is incomplete and more bouts could be added in future, or changed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Perhaps feeling that this list was incomplete, Mr Ahmadinejad has now added one more opponent to his list: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or, more simply, his own boss.

BBC

Also, some on this list are incomplete, so if you see yourself, be sure to clarify your bet.

Huffington Post

Obviously the list is incomplete, so feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.

The Guardian - Sport

Add humor and hype, daring and dancing, and still the list is incomplete.

The New York Times - Arts

Even then the list is incomplete, and not just because it does not include the large number of those wounded.

The New York Times

The Web site Baseball-Reference.com lists eight players in baseball history who have weighed 280 pounds or more, but even that list is incomplete when looking for potential 300-pounders.

The New York Times

Even if the EPA was able to compile a list of 1,076 chemicals used in the fracking process, the list is incomplete, with businesses involved in fracking able to cite some components as amounting to confidential business information, and therefore not subject to release to the public, the report indicates.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this list is incomplete", clearly indicate how or why it's incomplete. Providing context helps the reader understand the limitations of the list.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience understands the specific limitations of the list without you explicitly stating them. Be precise about what's missing or why the list might not be exhaustive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this list is incomplete" functions as a disclaimer or qualifier. It signals that the provided information may not be exhaustive and that the reader should be aware of potential omissions. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this list is incomplete" is a useful phrase for acknowledging the limitations of a given list. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it functions as a qualifier, managing audience expectations and signaling transparency. Its frequency is uncommon and it commonly appears in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide context regarding why the list is incomplete and what areas might be lacking. Related phrases, like "the catalog is not exhaustive" or "the inventory is not comprehensive", offer more formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the catalog is not exhaustive

Replaces "list" with "catalog" and "incomplete" with "not exhaustive", focusing on the thoroughness of a collection.

the inventory is not comprehensive

Substitutes "list" with "inventory" and "incomplete" with "not comprehensive", highlighting a lack of overall coverage.

the register is partial

Replaces "list" with "register" and "incomplete" with "partial", suggesting a limited or biased selection.

the enumeration is not total

Replaces "list" with "enumeration" and "incomplete" with "not total", emphasizing the lack of a complete count.

the compilation is selective

Replaces "list" with "compilation" and "incomplete" with "selective", implying a choice was made regarding what to include.

the record is deficient

Replaces "list" with "record" and "incomplete" with "deficient", suggesting a lack of necessary elements.

the itemization is wanting

Replaces "list" with "itemization" and "incomplete" with "wanting", indicating something is lacking or needed.

the inventory is sketchy

Replaces "list" with "inventory" and "incomplete" with "sketchy", implying a rough or incomplete outline.

this is not a complete roster

Rephrases the entire sentence structure to highlight that the roster lacks full representation.

the following lacks certain entries

Changes the structure to emphasize what the list is missing.

FAQs

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

You can use "this list is incomplete" to preface a list, acknowledging that it might not contain all relevant items. For example, "This list is incomplete, but it covers the major points."

What's a more formal alternative to "this list is incomplete"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "the catalog is not exhaustive" or "the inventory is not comprehensive".

What are some common reasons a list might be incomplete?

A list might be incomplete due to time constraints, limited information, ongoing updates, or confidentiality concerns. Context is key when stating that "this list is incomplete".

Is it always necessary to state that "this list is incomplete"?

It's generally a good practice to acknowledge when a list is not exhaustive, especially if the omission of certain items could be misleading or create confusion. However, if the list's purpose is clearly limited, it may not be necessary.