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I found this material online but I did not understand the difference between lists and checklists. enter image description here

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A list is any set of items that are separated between commas, semicolons, or slashes.

"commas, semicolons, or slashes"

This is a list, as it separates the three items (can be more) with commas in this case. Whenever you make a list, you must keep the same styling between the items.

This is a correct list:

"I am going to go skiing, hiking, and swimming."

This list is correct because all items have the same form. verb + -ing

This is an incorrect list:

"I am going to go hiking, invite my friends, and prepare for my test."

This list is incorrect because it has 3 different forms. These are:

  1. verb + ing
  2. infinitive - to
  3. phrasal verb

If you create an incorrect list, there is no parallel structure, which must be maintained when creating a list for it to be a correct sentence.

A checklist on the other hand is a to-do list, usually containing a few short notes to help you remember what to do.

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  • Can a list be enumerated?
    – ema
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:53
  • Yes. I need to: 1. Do my homework. 2. Eat dinner. 3. Brush my teeth.
    – Klyzx
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:54
  • That's an example of checklist ?
    – ema
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:59
  • Well, yes, essentially. During the weekend, my friends and I are going to go swim, play tennis, make our homework. That previous sentence is a list. The checklist: GROCERIES Bananas, Apples, Snacks, Drinks
    – Klyzx
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 18:02
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    Fixed the issue.
    – Klyzx
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 18:09
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In a list, you enumerate or compile things. On the picture in your post, you can see a list.

A checklist is a list of the tasks to do, the things to buy, the people to call, an inventory, etc. You will probably add a check whenever one of the items is done.

You could consult a dictionary to find out the difference.

(My sources: en.wiktionary.org/wiki/checklist#Noun / en.wiktionary.org/wiki/list#Noun [4th definition])

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  • Can you support your contentions? If so, edit that support into this answer, and please include source citations.
    – user98990
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:29
  • As far as I know, this is not Wikipedia here, but I am willing to provide you sources. en.wiktionary.org/wiki/checklist#Noun en.wiktionary.org/wiki/list#Noun (4th definition) Also, any good dictionary should help.
    – Archa
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:31
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    FWIW, I think it is a great thing to provide supporting citations, but it really isn't necessary here: the questioner could have readily found the answer to this question by simply looking in a dictionary. Really, this one should be moved to ESL rather than being answered here.
    – Fraser Orr
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:35
  • Assertions supported by citation to established authority is conventional here at ELU. Take a look at other answers that have garnered positive votes.
    – user98990
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:35
  • There is no picture in your post. If you mean the image in the above post can you specify that, as I read this as there being a picture missing in your post.
    – Klyzx
    Commented Jun 21, 2015 at 17:42

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