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list-outlook-categories

Read-only

Retrieve all Outlook categories defined for a user, including display name and color, to view available tags before applying to messages or events.

Instructions

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

đź’ˇ 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
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false. The description adds context about category properties (displayName, color range preset0-preset24) and typical usage, but does not disclose additional behavioral traits like pagination or rate limits.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is short, front-loaded with the purpose, and includes a useful tip. It is efficient but slightly verbose with the emoji and tip formatting.

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

Completeness5/5

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

For a simple read-only listing tool with no output schema, the description is complete: it explains what categories are, their properties, and how to use the result with other tools. Annotations cover safety concerns.

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 the schema already documents all parameters. The description adds no additional meaning to parameters beyond the schema's own descriptions.

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?

The description clearly states it gets all categories defined for a user, explains what categories are (colored labels), and differentiates from siblings like create-outlook-category and update-mail-message/update-calendar-event.

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?

The description explicitly advises using this tool to show available tags before applying categories via update-mail-message or update-calendar-event. It provides clear context but doesn't explicitly exclude other use cases.

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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