What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of liste (list), de (of) and contrôle (control/check).
Which one should you use?
While liste de contrôle is a standard way to express the concept, you may encounter other forms depending on the context or location. For example, liste de vérification and feuille de contrôle are also used for checklists.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In many professional or casual settings, French speakers use the anglicism check-list. For more technical or administrative contexts, the formal alternatives liste de vérification or feuille de contrôle are appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebecois French, one possible translation for "checklist" is feuillet de vérification.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the word liste takes an s to become listes de contrôle. The de contrôle part remains singular because it functions as a modifier.
Did you know?
- The word contrôle actually contains the word for 'little wheel' hidden inside it, derived from the Latin 'rotula'.
Examples in context
- Damiano a fait une liste de contrôle pour Rima.Damiano made a checklist for Rima.This sentence shows the use of liste de contrôle in the context of making a list for someone.Tatoeba #14035037 by Myrano_, translation #11694337 by Amastan
- Je disposais d'une liste de contrôle, que j'ai utilisée.I had a checklist I used.This sentence illustrates having and using a liste de contrôle.Tatoeba #2428230 by sacredceltic, translation #2331559 by CK
- J'ai une liste de vérificationI have a checklist
- Une liste de vérification garantit l'exactitude des tâches accompliesA checklist ensures the accuracy of completed tasks
- Vérifie chaque point sur la liste de contrôle.Check every point on the checklist.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are preparing a project at work.
- GabrielLéa, as-tu préparé la liste de contrôle ?Léa, did you prepare the checklist?
- LéaOui, je l'ai finie ce matin.Yes, I finished it this morning.
- GabrielParfait, on peut vérifier les étapes ensemble.Perfect, we can check the steps together.
- LéaD'accord, je t'envoie le document.Okay, I will send you the document.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “checklist” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contrôle, de, liste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
