a special item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular object or product that has unique qualities or significance. Example: "The store is offering a discount on a special item that is only available for a limited time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Spondylus shell from the Aegean Sea was a special item of trade.

The New York Times - Science

Johnson & Johnson will record most of the payment as a special item in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

He also serves a special item to go with it every week: fries, sandwiches.

The New York Times - Food

The charge is expected to be reflected as a special item in Johnson & Johnson's fourth-quarter results.

The New York Times

It is not there yet: for the coming year, Congress put $609 million into the budget to help Amtrak meet its deficits; this does not count a special item of $40 million to convert New York's General Post Office into an Amtrak concourse to supplement Penn Station.

The New York Times - Travel

Contributing to Verizon’s quarterly losses were one-time charges of 77 cents per share, including a special item of $3 billion in pretax costs related to layoffs.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Instead of paying the usual service fee to check an oversized "special item" — a price typically between $150 and $200 — the airline will let fliers check the boards and pay only a regular check luggage fee, which starts at $30.

Los Angeles Times

"It is a very special item for our exhibition".

BBC

The 14-Year-OldStillnditg Thousands On Streetwear.

Vice

This is an important special item that may need to be ordered from an electric car conversion website.

WikiHow

Horvath, 32, figures a certain nostalgia or sentimentality about finding some special item in a mom-and-pop toy store added to the appeal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or service, use "a special item" to highlight its unique features or limited availability. This can increase perceived value and generate interest.

Common error

Avoid using "a special item" too frequently without providing specific reasons why the item is truly special. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special item" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a special item" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote something unique or noteworthy. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While versatile, it's important to justify the use of "special" to avoid sounding generic. Alternatives include "a unique object" or "a particular item", depending on the desired emphasis. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples of its use in real-world contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique object

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the object.

a particular item

Focuses on the specific and individual nature of the item.

an exclusive offering

Highlights the limited availability or access to the item.

a remarkable piece

Stresses the noteworthy or exceptional quality of the item.

a one-of-a-kind creation

Emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable nature of the item.

a prized possession

Highlights the value and importance attached to the item.

a treasured artifact

Implies historical or sentimental significance.

a signature product

Indicates an item that is representative or iconic of a brand or creator.

a novelty item

Suggests the item is unusual or amusing.

a custom-made piece

Implies the item was specifically designed and created for an individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "a special item" to refer to something unique, limited, or noteworthy. For example, "The museum is showcasing "a special item" from its collection this month".

What can I say instead of "a special item"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique object", "a particular item", or "an exclusive offering" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a special item"?

Yes, "a special item" is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts to describe something unique or noteworthy.

What makes something "a special item"?

Something can be considered "a special item" due to its rarity, unique features, sentimental value, limited availability, or specific purpose.