Per item

USAGE SUMMARY

"per item" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when specifying a cost, quantity, or measurement that applies to each individual item. For example, "The price is $5 per item." Alternative expressions include "for each item" and "each item costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lunch prices, $1 less per item.

The New York Times - Food

The maximum fine is $7.50 per item.

Columbia University

Presently, we are paid per item, depending on the weight.

The Guardian - Opinion

($150 per item; $500 if personally autographed by President).

The New York Times

Institutional borrowers must also present one borrowing coupon per item.

Stanford University

Recalled Materials: $3.00 per day, maximum of $45 per item.

Harvard University

A: No, there is no fee per item tagged.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

$1 per hour, up to $30 maximum per item.

Stanford University

It charges $102 for a two-tank dive, and rental gear is $5 per item.

The New York Times - Travel

In-app items can range from 99 cents to $99.99 per item.

The Guardian - Tech

We get a minimum of 1.67p per item, rising to 4.5p.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "per item" to clearly specify costs, fines, or rates that apply to individual items, leaving no ambiguity about whether the given figure is for a set or a single unit. For example, "The late fee is $1 "per item"." Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and financial penalties.

Common error

Avoid using "per item" when you actually mean the total cost for multiple items. For instance, instead of saying 'The cost is $20 "per item", so it's a bargain!', if you are buying multiple items at once and the total is $20, clarify that it is the sum for all items to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "per item" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying how a cost, rate, or quantity is applied. It modifies a verb or verb phrase, indicating that the calculation or charge is done for each individual article. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across different contexts to clarify pricing or measurement on an individual basis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "per item" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to specify costs, quantities, or rates applicable to individual articles. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity in various contexts, including academic, news, and scientific writing. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to ensure you are accurately conveying costs for single articles and not total values. Common alternatives include "for each item" and "apiece". The semantic analysis of Ludwig AI underscores its versatility and importance in ensuring clear communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for each item

Replaces "per" with "for each", emphasizing individual consideration.

apiece

A single word synonym, more concise but less formal.

each

A short and simple substitute, implying the same rate for every item.

per unit

Uses "unit" instead of "item", suitable when discussing standard units.

by the item

Emphasizes the method of calculating based on individual articles.

for every piece

Specifically refers to pieces instead of items, useful for fragmentable objects.

on a per-article basis

More formal and emphasizes the basis of calculation.

per single object

Highlights the individuality of the objects.

individually

Suggests items are considered separately, potentially affecting price.

at a rate of...

Introduces a rate that applies to each item.

FAQs

How do I use "per item" in a sentence?

"Per item" is used to indicate a cost, quantity, or rate that applies to a single item. For example, "The price is $5 "per item"" or "We charge $0.25 "per item" for overdue library books."

What can I say instead of "per item"?

Alternatives include "for each item", "apiece", or specifying the rate applies to "each" individual item. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. You can also express it as "on a per-article basis".

Is it correct to say 'per items' instead of "per item"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "Per" means 'for each', so you should always use the singular form "item" after "per". The correct phrase is "per item", not 'per items'.

What's the difference between "per item" and 'total cost'?

"Per item" refers to the cost of a single article, whereas 'total cost' represents the combined expense for all articles or a service. For example, the price is $10 "per item", but the total cost for 3 items is $30.