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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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actionable item

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actionable item" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in business or project management contexts to refer to a specific task or action that can be taken to achieve a goal. Example: "During the meeting, we identified several actionable items that need to be addressed before the next deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"That's really the most actionable item — we've found something here that really makes a difference when someone goes down".

News & Media

The New York Times

The best active Watch apps provide an actionable item within a thin temporal or spatial window, and that item takes between 1 and 3 seconds to act on.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The data port moves data through the pipeline, running the actionable item within each module and moving the result to the output queue to be processed by the next stage of the pipeline.

The use of a limited number of critical quality indicators in OPTIMISE enabled the study investigators to provide benchmarking in a simple format, with succinct, easily interpretable messages accompanied by an immediately actionable item.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

6.30pm I finish up for the day with a to-do list of more than 30 "actionable items".

It's Monday, but it's PR, and 30 "actionable items" is a good enough reason to head home via a bar.

Mr. Hale relies on OmniFocus, a Web-based task management program with an iPhone app that allows him to capture his thoughts and turn them into actionable items.

News & Media

The New York Times

Each note can contain actionable items.

News & Media

TechCrunch

It eases the fear of handling actionable items.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The startup's goal is to turn your emails into actionable items and improve email-based workflow.

News & Media

TechCrunch

These are immediate, actionable items that you can access without the obligations inherent in taking out your phone.

News & Media

TechCrunch
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "actionable item" in project management, ensure it's accompanied by a clear description of who is responsible for the item and a specific deadline for completion. For example: "The actionable item of 'finalizing the budget proposal' is assigned to John Doe, due by October 22nd".

Common error

Avoid using "actionable item" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Instead, use simpler terms like "task", "step", or "thing to do".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actionable item" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "actionable" modifies the noun "item". It describes something that is capable of being acted upon, referring to a specific step or task that can be undertaken. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a task or action that can be taken to achieve a goal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actionable item" refers to a specific task or action that can be taken to achieve a defined goal. While grammatically correct and usable as Ludwig AI confirms, it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for formal situations where clarity and directness are essential, and ensure each item is clearly defined with assigned responsibility and deadlines. For less formal contexts, consider using simpler terms like "task" or "step". Alternatives to "actionable item" include "implementable task", "feasible action", and "practical step". In summary, while "actionable item" is correct, thoughtful consideration of the audience and context is crucial for effective communication.

FAQs

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

Use "actionable item" to refer to a specific task or action that needs to be done. For example, "The first actionable item is to contact the client." or "We need to identify actionable items to improve our efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "actionable item"?

You can use alternatives such as "implementable task", "feasible action", or "practical step" depending on the context.

Is "actionable item" formal or informal?

"Actionable item" is generally considered a more formal term, often used in business, project management, or academic settings. It's less common in casual conversation.

What makes an item "actionable"?

An item is considered "actionable" when it's clear, specific, and can be readily translated into concrete steps or tasks. It should be something that can be acted upon directly.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: