diff --git a/list.go b/list.go
index ed6e4746..e932212e 100644
--- a/list.go
+++ b/list.go
@@ -38,6 +38,18 @@ type containerState struct {
 var listCommand = cli.Command{
 	Name:  "list",
 	Usage: "lists containers started by runc with the given root",
+	ArgsUsage: `
+
+Where the given root is specified via the global option "--root"
+(default: "/run/runc").
+
+EXAMPLE 1:
+To list containers created via the default "--root":
+       runc list
+
+EXAMPLE 2:
+To list containers created using a non-default value for "--root":
+       runc --root value list`,
 	Flags: []cli.Flag{
 		cli.StringFlag{
 			Name:  "format, f",