an everyday item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an everyday item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to objects or products that are commonly used in daily life. Example: "A smartphone has become an everyday item for most people, essential for communication and information access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Global Studies- Pick an everyday item, such as the zipper, the seat belt, or the paper clip.

The New York Times

Joining the makers of purses, watches and shoes, the manufacturers of cellphones are trying to convince us that an everyday item can be an objet d'art.

The New York Times - Tech

Since the introduction of the Basle Ban outlawing the export of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries in 1992, computers have become an everyday item.

The Guardian

Distribute index cards to students, and have each student write on it an everyday item that can be considered a status symbol and which uses some kind of technology (not restricted to electronic or computer technology).

The New York Times

Nielsen, a consumer-research firm, says that two-thirds of Chinese households with internet connections bought an everyday item online in the past six months, and half of all wired households with babies have bought nappies or formula online.

The Economist

A month ago, we invited our readers to share an innovation — whether a theoretical invention, an ingenious reimagining of an everyday item or simply a nifty idea — by submitting it online.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In keeping with findings in other work, participants viewed the mobile phone as an essential, everyday item, owned by most people and featuring easy-to-use technology.

British Journal of General Practice

If what you lost was a small, everyday item, there's probably not too much to worry about.

WikiHow

From chemical reactions to strange physics, the Head Squeeze team presents a series of scientific tricks for the kitchen or garden – no special equipment required, no fuss, all you need is a table, a few everyday items and a good sense of fun.

BBC

One piece features a more old-timey everyday item: a rocking chair, wrapped in patchwork, so its contours are obscured.

The Washington Post

This resource from WordSpace uses a "bag of stories" (a bag containing a few everyday items) for inspiration, while this lesson uses an old coat with a few items in its pockets to produce a "pocketful of stories".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of technology or social change, use "an everyday item" to illustrate how these changes affect ordinary people's lives. This can make your writing more relatable and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "an everyday item" without providing specific context or examples. Vague descriptions can weaken your writing. Instead, follow up with details that show why the item is significant or relevant to your point. For example, instead of just saying "an everyday item", you might say "an everyday item like a smartphone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an everyday item" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something commonly used or encountered. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an everyday item" is a commonly used phrase to describe objects, services, or concepts that are part of daily life. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to use it with specific context to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "a common object", "a household staple", and "a routine element". Overall, it's a versatile phrase that effectively communicates the ordinariness and routine use of something in daily life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common object

Replaces 'everyday' with 'common', emphasizing prevalence rather than routine use.

a regular commodity

Substitutes 'item' with 'commodity', highlighting its status as a readily available product.

a commonplace article

Uses 'commonplace' to stress the ordinariness of the item.

a standard fixture

Highlights that the item is a normal and expected part of a setting.

a daily essential

Emphasizes the item's necessity in daily routines.

a household staple

Indicates that the item is a basic, necessary part of a household.

a routine element

Focuses on the item being a typical part of a daily routine or environment.

a familiar object

Emphasizes the recognition and commonness of the item.

a workaday thing

Suggests the item is practical and used in ordinary work or activities.

a ubiquitous presence

Highlights the item's widespread existence and availability.

FAQs

How can I use "an everyday item" in a sentence?

You can use "an everyday item" to describe something common and regularly used. For example: "The smartphone has become "an everyday item" for most people.".

What are some synonyms for "an everyday item"?

Alternatives include "a common object", "a routine element", or "a household staple". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "everyday item"?

While "everyday" and "item" are common words, the phrase "an everyday item" is not redundant. It concisely conveys that something is regularly used or encountered.

Can "an everyday item" be a service or concept, or does it have to be a physical object?

While typically used for physical objects, "an everyday item" can sometimes refer to services or concepts that are regularly used or encountered, though this usage is less common. For example, "Internet access is becoming "an everyday item"".