was on the list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was on the list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something was included in a specific list at a certain time. Example: "She was on the list of candidates for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What was on the list?

The New Yorker

Joe was on the list.

The New York Times

Mr. Corzine was on the list.

The New York Times

Poor Dorothy was on the list.

The New York Times

But he was on the list!

The New York Times

Manchester was on the list.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ohr's name was on the list.

The Washington Post

Rockwell Collins was on the list.

The Washington Post

You know, he was on the list.

The Washington Post

A new car was on the list.

The Guardian - Sport

I was on the list, however.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was on the list", ensure the context clearly identifies the list being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'was on the guest list' or 'was on the target list' for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is on the list" when referring to a past event. Use "was on the list" to maintain correct tense consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was on the list" functions as a predicate nominative or adjective, indicating that a subject belonged to a specific list in the past. As Ludwig AI shows, this indicates inclusion or membership.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was on the list" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something was included in a particular list at a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. While variations exist, such as "was included on the list", the original phrase remains a concise and widely understood choice. Ensuring clarity about which list is being referenced is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part of the registry

Highlights the role of keeping data over a specific subject; particularly suitable for data collections.

featured in the catalog

Emphasizes inclusion within a structured compilation; more specific to organized listings.

listed in the manifest

Emphasizes documented inclusion; relevant when referring to official documents.

appeared in the directory

Specifies presence in a guide or listing; suitable when referring to organized information.

included in the inventory

Focuses on being part of a collection of items; particularly suitable for countable objects.

enrolled in the roster

Emphasizes inclusion into a list with subjects involved in a group activity; particularly suitable for data collections.

cataloged in the database

Highlights inclusion in a data structure; ideal for formal records.

registered under the schedule

Highlights the role of following and respecting the procedure; particularly suitable for formal contexts.

ranked among the entries

Highlights placement in a structured ordering; implies a comparative assessment.

selected for consideration

Focuses on being chosen from a larger group; suited for processes of selection.

FAQs

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

You can use "was on the list" to indicate that someone or something was included in a specific list at a certain time. For example, "His name was on the list of potential candidates".

What is the difference between "was included on the list" and "was on the list"?

While both phrases have similar meanings, "was on the list" is more concise and commonly used. "Was included on the list" provides a more explicit emphasis on the act of inclusion.

What are some alternatives to saying "was on the list"?

You can use alternatives like "featured in the catalog", "included in the inventory", or "appeared in the directory" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "were on the list" instead of "was on the list"?

Yes, use "were on the list" when referring to multiple subjects. For example, "They were on the list of approved vendors".