the list vs a list

Both 'the list' and 'a list' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The list' refers to a specific list that has been previously mentioned or is known to the speaker and the listener. 'A list' is used when referring to any list in general.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1025 views

Correct. 'The list' is used when referring to a specific list that has been previously mentioned or is known to the speaker and the listener.

"the list"

'The list' is used when you are talking about a particular list that has already been introduced or is familiar to both the speaker and the listener.

Show examples from the web [+]

Click to move selected filter up in the list. Filters higher in the list are applied first.
Click to move selected word up in the list. Words higher in the list are applied first.
Add new proxy exception address to the list.
Apparently the president wants you back on the list.
Put Mr. Sheridan back on the list.
Medicinal products included on the list must be clearly identified as such on the package in order to provide patients and healthcare professionals with a source of information separate from the list.
Click to move a word down in the list. Words lower in the list are applied last.
And the list of preferential employment.
Add armed resistance to the list.
ATF narrowed the list of potential buyers.
This proposal already includes the list of defence-related products.
Broadening of scope - the list is self-explanatory.
I check the list twice: always naughty.
That concludes the list of speakers.
Annex I contains the list of eligible measures.
I'm adding fraud to the list of charges against her.
Marrying Rich was top of the list.
We can add jilted ex-girlfriend to the list of suspects.
Okay, check the list of investors from Murray & Bowman.
He's on the list that Lizzie Ambrose brought over.

Correct. 'A list' is used when referring to any list in general.

"a list"

'A list' is used when you are talking about any list in a general sense, without specifying a particular list.

Show examples from the web [+]

Appendix 1 contains a list of those authorities.
Display a list of all commandline options.
Garcia's compiling a list of foreign exchange students.
You made a list and started killing.
I brought a list of birthdays for horoscopes.
Roy e-mailed himself a list of bank clients.
Along with a list of symptoms.
Stamper will give you a list.
Which gets us a list of about 2000 vehicles.
I also need a list of the ballet company principals.
Here's a list of the other three guys.
Homeland's sending over a list of possibilities.
Okay, I have made a list of jobs for everyone.
I made a list of songs Ivy knows.
I have a list too long to enumerate.
- We'd like a list of your clients.
We'll get you a list of our witnesses.
There's a list of side effects when mixed with alcohol.
I want a list of all the men who visited these premises.
I'm getting you a list.

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the list vs a list

"the list"

"a list"

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