Cool MateList vs Record
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
List
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Record
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| List | Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪst/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈrekɔːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈrekərd/"]/ |
| Meaning | A series of items written or printed in a particular order. | To write down or save information. |
| Example | I made a list of the groceries I needed to buy. | I bought a new record of my favorite artist yesterday. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | long, short, complete, assemble, compile, create, comprise something, consist of something, contain something, in a/the list, on a/the list, list for, the bottom of a list, the top of a list, high on a list | formal, official, public, keep, maintain, compile, contain something, include something, indicate something, in the record, in the records, off the record, access to the records, have a record of something, have no record of something, club, course, national, hold, establish, set, stand, fall, book, attempt, breaker, record for, record with, in record time, past, track, distinguished, have, possess, establish, demonstrate something, show something, compare with something, record among, record for, record in, long-playing, LP, gramophone, write, cut, make, company, industry, label, long-playing, LP, gramophone, write, cut, make, company, industry, label |
| Antonyms | disorder, chaos, haphazardness | erase, delete |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'list' with 'listen'., Using 'list' as a verb incorrectly without an object., Not treating 'list' as a noun when needed. | Confused with 'recorded' when discussing past actions., Using 'record' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Mixing up 'record' with 'recall' which has a different meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'list' when referring to a group of items, like groceries or tasks. Avoid in very casual spoken contexts unless it’s clear what you refer to. | Use 'record' when talking about saving audio, video, or information. It's suitable in most contexts, but in casual speech, phrases like 'make a recording' may sound more natural. |
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Frequently asked questions: List vs Record
What's the difference between List and Record?
List: A series of items written or printed in a particular order. Record: To write down or save information.
Which is more advanced: List and Record?
Record is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.
Are List and Record the same CEFR level?
List: A1, Record: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are List and Record?
List: noun, Record: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
List: I made a list of the groceries I needed to buy. Record: I bought a new record of my favorite artist yesterday.
Can I use List and Record interchangeably?
Not always. List and Record are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.