as an item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something being considered or treated as a single unit or object. Example: "The products were sold as an item, rather than individually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An additional concern for women - not included as an item in the CWS used in this study - was worry about the reaction of older children to the newborn.

BMC Public Health

"Color is now seen as an item of luxury," he said.

The New York Times

Important enough to run it as an item on BBC news this morning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, a traffic accident can serve as an item in a newspaper.

The New Yorker

He lists each object from a suitcase, and the case itself -- if fit to be sold -- as an item.

The New York Times - Travel

The only concession to the exotic is that he has a loosely tied turban as an item of nightwear.

The Guardian - Books

Homosexual, but sometimes still fantasizes about kissing someone of the opposite sex, as an item on a scavenger hunt.

The New Yorker

When the children find a discarded bottle with the Spreewald label still on it, they treasure it as an item that can save a life.

The New York Times

In this sense she is offering up Beginners as an item of interest rather than a finished piece of work – a bootleg if you will.

The Guardian - Books

The proposal includes amending the law to prohibit unlimited tinting of the rear windows and including tint as an item on annual car inspections.

The New York Times

"As an item, the summer suit didn't really exist before," said Alex Badia, the men's wear editor of Women's Wear Daily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an item" when you want to emphasize that something is being considered as a distinct and individual entity, especially within a larger context or list. For instance, "Each task was listed "as an item" on the project agenda."

Common error

Avoid using "as an item" too frequently in formal writing where more precise terminology like "element", "component", or "entry" might be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an item" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate how something is being considered or treated. It often highlights the individuality or separateness of the referenced entity. Ludwig examples and Ludwig AI confirm its correct grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an item" functions as a prepositional phrase that emphasizes the distinct and individual nature of something. Ludwig shows that it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various domains, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. While adaptable, it’s important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate term to avoid overuse, particularly in formal writing. Remember that while alternatives such as "element" and "component" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. As a result, mastering the use of "as an item" contributes to clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered as a single object

Emphasizes the unitary nature of something being regarded.

treated as one unit

Highlights the action of handling something as a consolidated whole.

viewed as an individual element

Focuses on perception and the elemental characteristic.

regarded as a distinct article

Uses more formal language to denote an item's separate identity.

classified as a separate entity

Emphasizes the categorization of something as independent.

accounted for as a specific thing

Focuses on recording or acknowledging something as particular.

handled as a discrete component

Stresses practical management of something individually.

presented as an isolated subject

Highlights the act of showcasing something separately.

understood as an independent element

Focuses on comprehension and the self-governing nature.

taken as an individual piece

Suggests acceptance of something as a standalone segment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as an item" is used to describe something being considered or treated as a single, distinct entity. For example: "The software was sold "as an item", rather than being bundled with other software".

What is a good alternative to "as an item"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as a unit", "as a component", or "as a single entity". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you intend to convey.

Is it correct to say "as the item" instead of "as an item"?

Using "as the item" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where "as an item" is appropriate. "As an item" refers to something being treated as one specific object, while "as the item" would imply there is only one item in existence.

Can "as an item" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "as an item" can be used to describe abstract concepts if you're treating the concept as a single, definable thing. For example, "The researcher presented each hypothesis "as an item" for further investigation".