a real item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an actual object or product, often in contrast to something that is fake or not genuine. Example: "In the world of collectibles, it's important to verify that you are purchasing a real item and not a replica."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"If you're a mile in from the nearest utility pole, you've got a real item on your hands," he said.

The New York Times

"We're clicking on 'Oh my God, one of the WAGs couldn't put her hair up because she'd freshly painted her nails' " — this was a real item on Mail Online — "and then you're thinking, Why am I reading this?

The New Yorker

I could point Glass at a real item in the store and tap to buy.

TechCrunch

A Gift Card – Why worry about the fuss and muss of buying a real item?

TechCrunch

But even if you don't want the back rub, the iChair is still a real item of genius and deserves our support.

TechCrunch

The radicals use a Spiro Agnew alarm clock, which is based on a real item.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A Children's Tale In Hans Christian Andersen's "The Emperor and the Nightingale," the vain and pompous emperor of China learns the difference between a jewel-encrusted nightingale and the real item when a living nightingale sings to save the emperor's life, while the gaudy impostor stands mute.

The New York Times

He campaigned heavily and far outspent his rivals, but evangelicals instead plumped for a man they felt to be the real item: Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher.

The Economist

It's very annoying when people find reviews on one real item (owned by a business owner), and another one that is an exact duplicate of the other).

WikiHow

As such, it is always best to get a picture or replica of the real item to verify the information to be inscribed.

WikiHow

("Egad," you say, "there's a real gossip item in this column?" To which we respond, "Be patient, Dear Reader, we are not finished").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the genuineness of something, use "a real item" to clearly distinguish it from imitations or replicas.

Common error

Avoid using "a real item" redundantly when the context already implies authenticity. Instead, focus on specific qualities that make the item genuine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real item" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English. For example, "I could point Glass at a real item in the store and tap to buy."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

32%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real item" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the authenticity and tangibility of something, contrasting it with fakes, imitations, or virtual representations. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in news and media and wiki contexts. When writing, use "a real item" to emphasize genuineness, but avoid redundancy if authenticity is already clear from context. Alternatives such as "an actual item" or "a genuine article" can offer variety. The phrase's purpose is primarily to distinguish an object as non-artificial, as seen in various Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an actual item

Replaces "real" with "actual", emphasizing the existence of the item.

a genuine article

Uses a more idiomatic expression for something authentic.

an authentic object

Substitutes "item" with "object", focusing on its physical existence and genuineness.

a tangible product

Emphasizes the touchable nature and market availability of the item.

a legitimate piece

Highlights the lawfulness or validity of the item.

a concrete entity

Focuses on the item's existence as a distinct and real thing.

a physical object

Highlights that the item is something you can touch and see.

a true object

Uses "true" instead of "real" to indicate authenticity.

an original artifact

Suggests the item is not a copy and has historical significance.

a non-fabricated thing

Focuses on the absence of artificial creation or falsification.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real item" to describe something that is genuine and not a fake, like "The museum only displays "genuine artifacts", not replicas, so you're seeing a real item".

What is a good alternative to "a real item"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an actual item", "a genuine article", or "an authentic object", which all convey a sense of authenticity and non-artificiality.

When should I use "a real item" instead of "a tangible item"?

"A real item" emphasizes authenticity, while "a tangible item" emphasizes the physical, touchable nature of something. Use "a real item" when the key point is that it's not fake; use "a tangible item" when the key point is that it's not virtual or abstract.

Is it redundant to say "a real, genuine item"?

Yes, "a real, genuine item" is generally redundant because "real" and "genuine" have similar meanings. It's better to choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary repetition.