work on lists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work on lists" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating, managing, or processing lists in various contexts, such as tasks, items, or data. Example: "I need to work on lists of tasks for the upcoming project to ensure everything is organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A council panel also completed work on lists of food, pharmaceuticals, educational material and agricultural equipment that Iraq will be permitted to purchase without review.

The New York Times

In other words, the algorithm can work on lists of single mutations.

BMC Medical Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"In our work on listing standards, we have seen that a majority-independent board has already become the norm among many of our companies," Ms. Kinney said.

The New York Times

Buyers' agents don't work on listing properties.

Los Angeles Times

"The world works on lists," she said.

The New York Times

Remind them that they can also work on their lists backwards, first listing something the school provides and second, the benefits or qualities of participating in it.

The New York Times

Only one CPU can modify a list or tree at a time; however, if the lists are independent, CPUs can work on independent lists or without risk of interfering with each other.

Plosone

"NATO officials are working on list of about 150 areas where NATO armed forces could strengthen their joint efforts," argued Clara Marina O'Donnell, a security analyst at the Center for European Reform in London in a recently published paper.

The New York Times

A good buddy, Ben Newman, author of the best-selling book Own Your Success, keeps the positive habits he's working on listed in his bathroom so he's reminded regularly what he's striving to achieve.

Huffington Post

It was compiled in 1888 by Danish astronomer Johan Ludvig Emil Dreyer, who based his work on earlier lists made by the Herschel family of British astronomers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each participant was randomly assigned to work on one word list.

Lingua Sinica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work on lists", specify the type of list (e.g., task lists, shopping lists) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "work on lists" without context. Be specific about the goal: are you creating, editing, or reviewing the list?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work on lists" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of engaging with and managing lists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable expression. Examples show it being used in various contexts, from managing tasks to processing data.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work on lists" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted expression for describing the action of engaging with lists. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts. While usage is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "manage lists" or "process lists". When using "work on lists", ensure clarity by specifying the type of list and the intended action. Be aware of overuse and vague language; provide context about the specific goal, such as creating, editing, or reviewing the list.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage lists

Focuses on the organizational aspect rather than the task execution.

handle lists

Emphasizes dealing with lists, often in a practical sense.

process lists

Highlights the systematic treatment and manipulation of lists.

compile lists

Suggests creating or gathering information to form lists.

curate lists

Implies selecting and organizing items for lists with care and expertise.

maintain lists

Focuses on keeping lists up-to-date and accurate.

develop lists

Suggests a more complex and evolving process of creating lists.

refine lists

Implies improving or perfecting existing lists.

go through lists

Focuses on examining or reviewing the content of lists.

address lists

Suggests dealing with each item on the lists.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "work on lists" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you might use alternatives like "manage lists" or "process lists" to convey a more professional tone. For example, instead of saying "I need to work on lists", try "I will manage the lists".

What does it mean to "work on lists"?

The phrase "work on lists" generally means to actively engage with lists, whether creating them, modifying them, or using them to organize tasks or information. It implies taking action related to the list.

Is there a difference between "work on lists" and "create lists"?

"Create lists" refers specifically to the act of generating new lists. "Work on lists" is broader, encompassing creating, editing, reviewing, and otherwise managing existing lists.

What are some synonyms for "work on lists" that emphasize organization?

If you want to emphasize the organizational aspect, consider using "manage lists" or "curate lists". These alternatives highlight the structured handling of information.