an item about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an item about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific subject or topic that is being discussed or described. Example: "I found an item about climate change in the latest issue of the magazine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Finally, he paused at an item about the Vatican.

The New Yorker

There is an item about a sunken Soviet nuclear submarine.

Independent

(Liberation ran an item about Pierre's illness last week, but didn't mention the jet).

The New Yorker

There was an item about the lions and ostriches at the Gaza Zoo.

The New York Times - Magazine

In November he posted an item about the lack of hard evidence.

The Economist

They could barely contain themselves when presenting an item about a giant monitor - because it was made by Siemens.

The Guardian

The formula began to coalesce after about 15 minutes, during an item about the banned Lord's Prayer advert.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The publicist had given them an item about Roberts and Lopez discussing a movie project over dinner.

The New York Times - Magazine

This article was amended on 18 May 2015 to remove an item about Twitter that contained misleading information.

The Guardian

So here's an item about Saudi Arabia, which is close to executing a young woman for resisting rape.

The New York Times

Spotting and publishing an item about the latest cat video craze or celebrity gossip needs to happen quickly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an item about" to introduce a specific piece of news, information, or analysis related to a particular topic. This helps to focus the reader's attention on the specific content that follows.

Common error

Avoid using "an item about" in contexts where more specific language would provide clarity. Instead of saying "There was an item about it", specify the nature of the item: "There was a report", "There was a study", or "There was a news story."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an item about" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically indicating the subject or topic of a piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase is used to introduce what the item is concerning, as seen in examples like "There was an item about the lions and ostriches at the Gaza Zoo."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

25%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an item about" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to introduce or reference a specific piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. While grammatically correct and commonly used, writers should consider if a more specific term might improve clarity in certain contexts. Using alternatives such as "a report on" or "a piece concerning" can provide additional nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a report on

Focuses on a more formal and detailed presentation of information.

a piece concerning

Implies the item deals directly with the subject mentioned.

a story regarding

Suggests a narrative or account focusing on specific events.

an article discussing

Highlights the act of analyzing or examining a topic.

a segment covering

Implies a portion of a broadcast or presentation is dedicated to the topic.

a section detailing

Emphasizes the provision of specific and thorough information.

a note concerning

Refers to a brief piece of information about something.

a brief on

Suggests a concise summary of information on a subject.

a post regarding

Indicates an entry, typically online, related to the topic.

a feature on

Highlights a prominent or special presentation of the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "an item about" to introduce a specific piece of information or news. For example, "I saw "an item about" the new economic policy on the news last night."

What are some alternatives to "an item about"?

You can use alternatives like "a report on", "a piece concerning", or "a story regarding" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a report on" instead of "an item about"?

Yes, "a report on" generally carries a more formal and detailed connotation compared to ""an item about"", which is more neutral and can refer to various forms of information.

When is it best to use "an item about"?

"An item about" is best used when referring to a specific piece of information without specifying its exact form (e.g., news article, blog post, report). It is a versatile phrase applicable across many contexts.