for each item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for each item" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to an individual element of a larger group. For example, "For each item in the shopping cart, please list the quantity and price."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We submit a justification for each item.

The New York Times

Circle one response for each item.

Harvard Business Review

Members are then asked to write reviews for each item.

The New York Times

Include pictures for each item you choose to include.

The New York Times

For each item, choose one, all or none.

The New York Times

He was getting four hundred for each item".

The New Yorker

For each item, choose one, all or none.

The New York Times

Repeat for each item on your to-do list.

Harvard Business Review

Composite mean scores were calculated for each item.

Pain Management Nursing

Each agent specifies a positive real valuation for each item.

Princeton University

Column 4 reports the monetary amount(s) for each item.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, use "for each item" to ensure clarity that every single item needs to be addressed. For example: "For each item in the list, provide a brief description and its corresponding value."

Common error

Avoid using "for each item" when a simpler phrasing like "per item" or "for every item" is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For example, instead of "The price for each item is $10", you can say "The price per item is $10".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for each item" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, specifying that an action, description, or attribute applies individually to every item in a group. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for each item" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that emphasizes individual consideration within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across diverse contexts such as science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "per item" or "for every item" exist, "for each item" ensures clarity and precision, making it valuable in instructions and precise descriptions. While the phrase is extremely useful, one should avoid overusing "for each item" in favor of the alternative phrases. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal settings alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

per item

This is a shorter, more concise way of saying "for each item".

for every item

This alternative uses "every" instead of "each", implying a similar meaning.

for each individual item

This alternative emphasizes the individuality of each item.

item by item

This phrase focuses on the process of dealing with items one at a time.

individually for each item

This alternative highlights that the action is performed separately for each item.

in respect to each item

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes considering each item separately.

with regard to each item

Similar to "in respect to each item", this is a more formal alternative.

concerning each item

This alternative emphasizes the relevance of something to each item.

regarding each item

Similar to "concerning each item", this is a slightly less formal alternative.

on a per-item basis

This phrase emphasizes the calculation or consideration done for each item separately.

FAQs

How can I use "for each item" in a sentence?

Use "for each item" to specify that an action or consideration applies individually to every item in a group. For example, "For each item on the agenda, we will allocate 10 minutes for discussion."

What are some alternatives to saying "for each item"?

You can use alternatives such as "per item", "for every item", or "item by item" depending on the context. For example, instead of "The cost for each item is $5", you could say "The cost "per item" is $5".

Is there a difference between "for each item" and "for every item"?

While "for each item" and "for every item" are often interchangeable, "for each item" can sometimes emphasize individuality more strongly. In most contexts, the difference is negligible, and you can choose based on stylistic preference. The best option depends on the particular sentence.

When is it appropriate to use "for each item" instead of "item by item"?

"For each item" is suitable when you are setting a general rule or providing instructions, while "item by item" is best when describing a process that is carried out sequentially. For example, "For each item, indicate its condition." versus "We reviewed the list "item by item"".