action items

USAGE SUMMARY

"action items" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to tasks or activities that need to be completed, usually in the context of a plan or project. For example, "The project plan outlined four action items to be completed by the end of the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specific action items for industry leaders are:.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Q Are these action items possible?

University of California, Berkeley

4.6.1 Resolving PSSR Issues and Action Items.

Stanford University

Is she addressing action items you have defined together?

Harvard Business Review

Want to ensure that action items actually translate into action?

Harvard Business Review

Create action items and individuals can check off completed items.

Stanford University

Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was identified among many future action items.

International Journal of Project Management

The action items should start small and then turn up the heat.

The Guardian - Opinion

TASK 3: Proposal Creation -Create a proposal outlining your three chosen action items.

The New York Times

3 Look back over your diary for outstanding action items and bring them forward.

The Guardian - Money

And it is certainly not the answer to these never-ending action items.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, use "action items" to break down large goals into manageable steps, improving overall efficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "action items" in contexts where simpler terms like "tasks" or "steps" would suffice; overuse can make your communication sound unnecessarily complex and less accessible. Consider if you can replace it with simpler terms like "tasks to be completed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "action items" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the plural form of action item. According to Ludwig, it refers to specific tasks or activities that need to be completed, often within a project or plan. It typically functions as the object of a sentence or clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "action items" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to specific tasks or activities that need to be completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in business, academic, and news-related settings. To use the phrase effectively, ensure tasks are clearly defined with assigned responsibilities and deadlines. While the phrase is suitable for professional communication, consider simpler alternatives in informal contexts. By following these guidelines, you can leverage the power of "action items" to enhance project management and collaborative efforts. The authoritative sources are Forbes, Huffington Post, Harvard Business Review, The Washington Post, and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tasks to be completed

Focuses on the tasks themselves, emphasizing their completion.

Steps to be taken

Highlights the actions required, focusing on the process.

Items for follow-up

Emphasizes the need for subsequent attention and monitoring.

Outstanding tasks

Indicates tasks that remain unfinished or pending.

Pending activities

Refers to actions that are awaiting execution or resolution.

Required actions

Stresses the necessity of performing specific tasks.

Assigned duties

Highlights tasks that have been allocated to specific individuals.

To-do list

Simplifies the concept to a basic list of tasks.

Agenda items

Relates to a list of topics or tasks to be discussed or addressed.

Work items

Broadly refers to tasks associated with work or projects.

FAQs

How do I effectively use "action items" in a project plan?

Clearly define each "action item", assign responsibility, set a deadline, and track progress to ensure timely completion. Using project management software can help organize and manage these "tasks to be completed".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "action items" in professional communication?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "tasks to be completed", "steps to be taken", or "items for follow-up" to convey the same meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "action items" in informal settings?

While "action items" is widely understood, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "things to do" or "to-do list" instead.

What's the difference between "action items" and "goals"?

"Goals" are broader objectives, while "action items" are specific, actionable steps needed to achieve those goals. Action items are concrete and measurable, contributing to the overall progress toward a specific goal. Action items are more granular than "required actions" to reach the goal.