make a list — write items
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To write down a group of things, usually to remember them or organize your thoughts.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall compile an enumerated inventory of requirements.
Native Let me make a list of what we need.
'Make a list' is natural; 'compile an enumerated inventory' is absurd.
Pattern: make a list (of something)
In use
- Before going shopping, I always make a list so I don't forget anything.daily life
- If I have a lot of things to do, I usually make a list to stay organized and make sure I finish everything on time.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I made a list of the things that I need to buy them.
✓ I made a list of the things I need to buy.
Don't add 'them' — the list items are already the object ('the things I need to buy').
Common collocations
make a list (of)— of, a shopping, to-do, write
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'write a letter' or 'take notes'; 'make a list' is about organizing items.