to scribble on the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to scribble on the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of writing or making marks on a list, often in a casual or hasty manner. Example: "I need to scribble on the list of groceries before I head to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That would be another negative for Pettitte to scribble on the list.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At home we were allowed to scribble on the walls because he considered it creative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He got up to scribble on the board like a professor in a catch-up session.

TechCrunch

He looked slightly surprised, but proceeded to use his finger to scribble on the iPad using the Adobe Ideas app.

TechCrunch

He captioned the picture of the ink, "Apparently Harper is allowed to scribble on daddy". .

Huffington Post

(b) To comically mime the words "Stop it!" (c) To scribble on your notepad, "Fire!" 18.

The New Yorker

I now think about what I'm going to make before I turn on the stove, and have even been known to scribble a shopping list on occasion.

The New York Times

The work of Cordenonsi and colleagues now adds Scribble to the list of mammalian upstream Hippo pathway components.

Breast Cancer Research

It wasn't to scribble compromises on the back of a pizza box.

The Guardian

He has had to scribble a list of priorities in the eight days he has been the Devils' coach, and the team's power play was not high on his list.

The New York Times - Sports

He points to numbers scribbled on the bark from early in the experiment.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to scribble on the list", consider whether the context requires a more precise verb, such as "jot", "note", or "record", to accurately convey the manner of writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to scribble on the list" in formal contexts where neatness and legibility are important. The term suggests a lack of care in writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to scribble on the list" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed on a specific object (the list). It suggests writing something quickly and carelessly. Ludwig shows examples where similar constructions are used to describe adding items or notes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to scribble on the list" is grammatically correct and suggests writing quickly and carelessly on a list. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is used in a variety of contexts, most commonly in News & Media, Science and Wiki, and generally has a neutral to informal register. While acceptable, it's important to consider the context and whether a more precise term is needed. The Ludwig AI validates its general correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to scrawl on the list

Similar to "scribble" but often suggests messier and less legible writing.

to jot down on the list

Replaces "scribble" with "jot down", implying a quicker, less detailed writing action.

to note down on the list

Similar to "jot down", but can also imply a more formal or intentional recording.

to write hastily on the list

Emphasizes the speed and lack of care in the writing, specifying it's done "hastily".

to dash off on the list

Implies speed and a certain casualness in writing the information.

to add in haste to the list

Highlights both the addition and the hurried nature of the writing.

to mark on the list

Focuses on the act of making a mark, rather than detailed writing.

to enter quickly on the list

Focuses on the act of entering data with speed.

to pencil in on the list

Specifies the use of a pencil and suggests the information may be tentative or subject to change.

to doodle on the list

Suggests aimless drawing rather than meaningful writing.

FAQs

What does "to scribble on the list" mean?

The phrase "to scribble on the list" means to write something quickly and carelessly on a list, often in a way that is not very legible. It implies a lack of precision or attention to detail.

How can I use "to scribble on the list" in a sentence?

You might say, "I had "to scribble on the list" of groceries while rushing out the door." Or, "He tends "to scribble on the list" during phone calls."

What can I say instead of "to scribble on the list"?

You can use alternatives like "to jot down on the list", "to write hastily on the list", or "to scrawl on the list" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to scribble on the list"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey the idea of writing quickly, messily, or without much attention to detail. Avoid using it in formal situations where neatness or precision are important. Consider using a more neutral term like "to note down on the list" in such cases.