by item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by item" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "by item" to describe a sale or purchase that is made one item at a time. For example, "I bought this car piece by piece, item by item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Let's examine these item by item.

The New York Times

Then, once you're back, burn it all, item by item.

The New Yorker

Take her item by item and get a clear picture.

The Guardian

You can browse by category or search by item name.

The New York Times

Analysts move through the queue item by item, labeling cases "yes", "no" or "unknown".

The Guardian

That we're going to go through this enormous bill item by item and decide each one?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Businesses could pore over them item-by-item in an effort to undercut established contractors.

The Economist

Item-by-item descriptive statistics are reported in Table 2.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Item-by-item descriptive statistics are shown in Table 2.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

In June, the legislature decided to review the agreement item-by-item.

BBC

The interaction effect also held up in a by-item analysis.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by item", ensure the context clearly indicates that each item is being considered separately and sequentially. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by item" when referring to a group of items collectively. For example, instead of saying 'The items were reviewed by item', say 'The items were reviewed individually' or 'The items were reviewed as a whole'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by item" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action is performed on each item separately. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by item" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to denote a separate consideration of individual elements. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing its prevalent use across various domains like science, news and media, and formal business writing. While similar phrases like "one by one" or "individually" exist, "by item" uniquely emphasizes a detailed, methodical approach. When writing, remember to use "by item" to describe separate treatment and avoid applying it to collective contexts for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

item by item

A slight variation with the words reordered, emphasizing the individual items.

one by one

Focuses on sequential individual consideration, similar to "by item" but emphasizes order.

one at a time

Emphasizes the sequential processing of items.

piece by piece

Implies a gradual or step-by-step approach, often used when assembling or analyzing something.

point by point

Focuses on addressing specific points or aspects of each item.

step by step

Focuses on the sequence of actions, similar to "by item" in a process.

individually

Highlights separate treatment or consideration of each item.

separately

Stresses the distinct nature and handling of each item.

element by element

Implies reviewing each elemental component.

in detail

Suggests a thorough examination of each individual item.

FAQs

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

You can use "by item" to describe a process where each item is considered separately. For example, "The contract was reviewed "item by item" to ensure all details were correct."

What's the difference between "by item" and "one by one"?

"By item" focuses on the individual consideration of objects or elements, while "one by one" emphasizes the sequential order of processing. While often interchangeable, "by item" can also refer to an analysis or accounting method.

What can I say instead of "by item"?

You can use alternatives like "one at a time", "individually", or "separately" depending on the specific context.

Is "item by item" the same as "by item"?

Yes, "item by item" is essentially the same as "by item". Both phrases convey the idea of dealing with things individually. However, ""item by item"" might slightly emphasize the items themselves.