list
A1 (Very High)Neutral (Used in all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
A set of items written, printed, or imagined one after the other; a series of connected items.
An enumeration of data, typically in a structured order. Can also refer to the tilt of a ship or building.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun for a series of items. Secondary meanings include a verb for creating such a series, and a specialized nautical/architectural verb/noun meaning to lean/tilt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. 'List price' is common in both. In British computing/IT, 'list' as a verb for displaying data is more common than 'print out' in certain formal contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal connotation for the verb 'to list' in American bureaucratic contexts.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties. The nautical verb/noun ('the ship lists') is low-frequency technical language in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + list + of + N (a list of requirements)V + list (to make a list)list + N (to list the ingredients)list + as + N/Adj (listed as a priority)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “enter the lists (to join a competition/argument)”
- “off the list (unavailable/not considered)”
- “on the danger list (in critical condition)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Lists are fundamental for tasks, priorities, contacts, and inventories (e.g., 'action list', 'client list').
Academic
Used for references, data points, arguments, or enumerated examples (e.g., 'a list of sources', 'the factors listed below').
Everyday
Ubiquitous for shopping, chores, reminders, and plans (e.g., 'shopping list', 'packing list').
Technical
In computing, a core data structure (linked list, array list). In engineering/nautical, the lean of a vessel.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you list the attendees for the meeting?
- The report lists several key recommendations.
- The property is listed as Grade II.
American English
- Please list your previous employment.
- The document lists all the requirements.
- The ship began to list to starboard.
adverb
British English
- The data was presented list-wise.
- (Extremely rare; 'in list form' is preferred.)
American English
- (Extremely rare; 'in a list' is preferred.)
adjective
British English
- This is a list-building exercise.
- The list price is exclusive of VAT.
- He gave a very list-like presentation.
American English
- She works in list management.
- The car's list price was too high.
- The data was in a list format.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I made a list of things to buy.
- Her name is on the list.
- Look at the number list.
- Could you add milk to the shopping list?
- He listed his reasons for leaving.
- Check the list to see if you're registered.
- The article lists the top ten challenges facing the industry.
- We've been shortlisted for the award.
- The old tower lists slightly to the south.
- The legislation enumerated a lengthy list of proscribed activities.
- The vessel was listing dangerously after taking on water.
- His name was conspicuously absent from the guest list.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LISTening to someone read a LIST of items one after another. Both involve a sequence.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A LIST; PRIORITIES ARE LIST POSITIONS (top/bottom of the list).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лист' (leaf of paper/tree). 'List' is 'список'.
- The verb 'to list' (enumerate) is not 'листать' (to leaf through). It's 'составлять список' or 'перечислять'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'list' as an uncountable noun (*'I need some list'). It is countable: 'I need a list'.
- Confusing 'list' with 'menu'. A 'menu' is a specific list of food options.
- Misspelling as 'lest' or 'liszt' (the composer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'list' specifically mean to lean or tilt?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always a countable noun (a list, three lists). In rare technical computing contexts, it can be uncountable when referring to the abstract data type.
A list is a simple series of items. A catalogue is a more formal, often descriptive and categorized list, typically of items for sale or in a library.
Yes, especially in its nautical meaning ('The ship listed'). In its main meaning, it is usually transitive ('List your skills'), but can be intransitive in contexts like 'The software can list alphabetically'.
It refers to a building of special architectural or historical interest that is on a statutory list, protecting it from unauthorized alteration or demolition.