a practical item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object or product that is useful and functional in everyday situations. Example: "For our camping trip, I made sure to pack a practical item like a multi-tool that can serve various purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The perfect example of a practical item rejuvenated into a thing of unmistakable luxury.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Initially a practical item to keep the rowers warm, Oxbridge teams soon began peacocking in their blazers on dry land, and an immortal wardrobe item was born.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At least anyone with the desire to revive it can claim it's essentially a practical item, the original idea being that the thick material would absorb the smoke.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A practical item might ask an individual how he persuaded someone else of an idea he had that the other person initially reacted to sceptically.

Cornell University

Coins were a practical item to weigh down the eyelids until rigor mortis set in -- coins being round and fit in the eye sockets as well as being relatively heavy.

Huffington Post

defer.add img); Repurpose the wedding gown into a practical item.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They are also a really practical item, with all the bikes popping up all over London; you can easily cycle in them".

Independent

-The 8-in-1 multi-screwdriver torch flashlight, a more practical item I got.

TechCrunch

23) Crystal DSLR Camera $65 - Okay, so this is not really a very practical item, but there is something cool about it just the same.

Huffington Post

"Never was a better and more elegant design and a more precisely crafted and practical item created," he said.

The New York Times - Style

To capture in a single reference book all of American local idiom seems a brilliant folly (like, say, maniacal lepidopterology or the corking of breezes in bottles) as well as a practical, useful item it's amazing someone didn't think of before.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an item, specify its practical use to enhance clarity. For example, instead of just saying "a practical item", describe it as "a practical item for travel, like a portable charger."

Common error

Avoid using "a practical item" as a vague placeholder. Instead, be specific about the item and its function to provide meaningful information to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical item" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "practical" modifies the noun "item". It serves to describe something that is useful and functional for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a practical item" is a noun phrase denoting something useful and functional. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and utility across varied contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. While fairly common, specificity in describing the item enhances clarity, preventing vagueness. Related phrases like "functional object" and "useful article" can provide alternatives, depending on the intended nuance. Remember, specifying the item's purpose is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a functional object

Replaces "item" with a more generic term emphasizing usability.

a useful article

Substitutes "item" with "article", implying a more specific and tangible object.

a handy tool

Focuses on the utility of the item, suggesting it aids in performing a task.

a serviceable commodity

Emphasizes the item's ability to meet a need or requirement.

an efficient instrument

Highlights the item's effectiveness and ability to achieve a desired outcome.

a valuable asset

Indicates the item possesses worth and contributes positively.

a pragmatic solution

Shifts the focus to the item's role in resolving a problem or challenge.

a viable resource

Suggests the item can be utilized to achieve a specific goal or purpose.

an advantageous provision

Implies the item offers a benefit or advantage in a given situation.

a worthwhile possession

Highlights the item's inherent value and the satisfaction derived from owning it.

FAQs

How can I use "a practical item" in a sentence?

You can use "a practical item" to refer to something useful and functional. For example, "A Swiss Army knife is a "practical item" for camping."

What are some synonyms for "a practical item"?

Alternatives include "functional object", "useful article", or "handy tool", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "a practical item"?

Yes, being specific enhances clarity. Instead of saying "a practical item", describe the item and its use, like "a durable water bottle for hiking".

Can "a practical item" also be luxurious?

Yes, an item can be both practical and luxurious. For instance, "a high-quality leather briefcase" can be considered both "a practical item" and a luxury item.