to-do list

USAGE SUMMARY

"to-do list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a list of tasks that you need to do. For example, "I made a to-do list and it's helping me to stay organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

To-do list completed.

The New York Times - Tech

He also had a to-do list.

The New York Times

Write tomorrow's to-do list tonight.

Independent

Anything still on your to-do list?

The New York Times

The to-do list for 2011 varies.

The Economist

Keep one to-do list.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

My to do list had runneth over.

The New York Times

That's a big to do list.

The Guardian

Remember The Milk; To Do list manager.

The Guardian

Weaknesses: The political to do list.

The Guardian

Your partner needs a "to do" list.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to-do list" when you want to clearly and concisely communicate a list of tasks that need to be completed. Be specific when creating your "to-do list" to enhance clarity and efficiency.

Common error

Avoid vague entries like "work on project". Instead, break down tasks into actionable steps such as "draft project introduction" or "research competitor analysis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to-do list" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a list of tasks or activities that need to be completed. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to-do list" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a list of tasks needing completion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability across formal and informal contexts. Alternative phrases such as "task list" or "checklist" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When creating a "to-do list", remember to break down large tasks into smaller, actionable steps for better clarity and efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

task list

Replaces "to-do" with "task", emphasizing the nature of the items as tasks to be completed.

checklist

Focuses on the action of marking items as completed.

agenda

Focuses on a plan of items to be discussed or completed, often in a meeting or specific timeframe.

schedule of tasks

More formal and detailed way to refer to a sequence of activities.

list of priorities

Emphasizes the importance and order of the items on the list.

things to accomplish

Focuses on the end result of completing the items.

action items

Highlights the need for specific actions to be taken.

duties to perform

A more formal way of listing responsibilities.

things to take care of

Emphasizes the need to manage or resolve certain issues.

assignments

Refers to tasks that have been assigned or delegated.

FAQs

How to use "to-do list" in a sentence?

You can use "to-do list" in a sentence like, "I created a "to-do list" to manage my tasks effectively" or "Checking items off my "to-do list" gives me a sense of accomplishment".

What can I say instead of "to-do list"?

You can use alternatives like "task list", "agenda", or "checklist" depending on the context.

What's the best way to organize a "to-do list"?

Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. You can also categorize tasks by project or area of responsibility to stay organized.

What's the difference between a "to-do list" and a calendar?

A "to-do list" is a list of tasks to be completed, while a calendar schedules specific events or appointments at particular times. You can add items to your "to-do list" and manage when to do them.