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list-outlook-categories

Read-only

List a user's Outlook categories—colored labels for tagging messages, events, contacts, and tasks—to identify available tags before applying them to emails or calendar events.

Instructions

Get all the categories that have been defined for a user.

💡 TIP: Lists the user's Outlook categories (colored labels) used to tag messages, events, contacts, and tasks. Each category has displayName and color (preset0 through preset24, or 'none'). Use this to show available tags before applying via update-mail-message or update-calendar-event with body { categories: ['Category Name'] }.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
topNoPage size (Graph $top). Start small (e.g. 5–15) so responses fit the model context; raise only if needed. Use $select to return fewer fields per item. For more rows, use @odata.nextLink from the response instead of a very large $top.
skipNoItems to skip for pagination. Not supported with $search.
searchNoKQL search query — wrap value in double quotes. Cannot combine with $filter.
filterNoOData filter expression. Add $count=true for advanced filters (flag/flagStatus, contains()). Cannot combine with $search.
countNoSet true to enable advanced query mode (ConsistencyLevel: eventual). Required for complex $filter on flag/flagStatus or contains().
orderbyNoSort expression, e.g. receivedDateTime desc
selectNoComma-separated fields to return, e.g. id,subject,from,receivedDateTime
expandNoExpand related entities
fetchAllPagesNoFollow @odata.nextLink and merge up to 100 pages into one response. Can return enormous payloads—only when the user explicitly needs a full export. Prefer a small $top first, then paginate or narrow with $filter/$search.
includeHeadersNoInclude response headers (including ETag) in the response metadata
excludeResponseNoExclude the full response body and only return success or failure indication
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false. Description adds that each category has 'displayName and color (preset0 through preset24, or 'none')', but does not disclose additional behavioral aspects like pagination or performance characteristics.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Description is very concise with two sentences, front-loaded with the purpose, and includes a useful tip without any unnecessary words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple list tool with no output schema, description explains return values (displayName, color) and provides usage context. It could mention pagination or id fields, but the core information is present.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so parameters are fully documented in the schema. Description does not add any parameter-specific semantics beyond what the schema provides.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description clearly states 'Get all the categories that have been defined for a user', using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from siblings like create-outlook-category and other list tools by specifying the resource type and purpose.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Description provides explicit guidance: 'Use this to show available tags before applying via update-mail-message or update-calendar-event', indicating when to use the tool. It does not explicitly state when not to use it or alternatives, but the context is clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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