item

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'item' is a perfectly acceptable, commonly used word in written English.
You can use 'item' to refer to any single, separate object within a group or set of items. For example: "The store was well stocked with items such as cereal, snacks, and produce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps unsurprisingly, my favourite item of my mum's was the plainest outfit she wore: a black crepe wraparound Ossie Clark dress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This article was amended on 30 September 2013 to correct the venue for the Conservative party conference from Blackpool to Manchester in the seventh item.

The Guardian

I am now relying on the BBC investing in some Chinese government-style expertise to employ internet censors in Broadcasting House who can be relied on to block only any item which might upset the IOC lawyers – leaving me with the pleasure of hearing the racing tips, Vince Cable, and John Humphrys grumbling about any warm weather that accidentally comes to the UK.

The Guardian

After much winking from her bewigged husband, she located the offending item, and in a fit of rage threw it into the audience; it nearly took somebody's eye out.

The Guardian

The number one item on Orbán's destroy list appears to be the western democratic model.

The Guardian

I read a small item in a specialist newsletter I get by email, called Daily Virology News, headlined "Two cases of swine flu in Orange County, California".

The Guardian

The spokesman said the first item on the agenda - on the "implications of Oldham" – would be just among the ministers before insisting: "But it is genuinely not some kind of emergency meeting".

The Guardian

Accompanying the text was a picture of the menu item.

The Guardian

At the bottom, I came upon the other item no self-respecting actor was without back then: a crumpled packet of condoms.

The Guardian

Step three Get rid of your 'just-in-case' items In most cases, any item you've been hanging on to "just in case" can be replaced "in less than 20 minutes for less than £10" – usually in a charity shop, or even for free online.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Interesting that listeners to Radio 4's Today programme, where Hester did his stuff, immediately latched on to a later item about Fabio Capello's John Terry row with the Football Association.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about lists or inventories, use "item" to refer to each individual entry for clarity and precision.

Common error

While "item" is perfectly acceptable, consider using more descriptive or contextually appropriate nouns like "object", "thing", or "article" to avoid sounding repetitive or overly formal in casual writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "item" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a distinct, identifiable object or a single entry in a list or set. Ludwig confirms that the word is commonly and correctly used in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it describing physical objects, agenda points, and news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "item" is a versatile and commonly used noun to refer to a distinct object or entry within a set, list, or context. Ludwig examples and the analysis confirm its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While acceptable in most contexts, remember to consider more descriptive alternatives like "object", "article", or "thing" to enhance the clarity and style of your writing, particularly in informal settings. As Ludwig AI points out, "item" functions to specify and delineate, and its usage spans a range of contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Overall, understanding the nuances of "item" ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

object

Focuses on the tangible nature of the thing being referred to.

article

Emphasizes a particular thing within a set or list.

thing

A more general term suitable for less specific contexts.

unit

Suggests a single, indivisible component of something.

component

Highlights the role of something as part of a larger whole.

element

Focuses on something being a fundamental part of a whole.

piece

Refers to a part of something that has been separated or detached.

detail

Highlights a specific aspect or element of something larger.

aspect

Focuses on a particular feature or facet.

entry

Refers to a record or notation, such as in a list or database.

FAQs

How to use "item" in a sentence?

You can use "item" to refer to a distinct object or a single entry in a list. For instance, "The first "item" on the agenda is the budget review" or "Each "item" in the store is carefully selected".

What can I say instead of "item"?

You can use alternatives like "object", "article", or "thing" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "item" or "thing"?

"Item" and "thing" are both correct but have different connotations. "Item" is generally more formal and specific, while "thing" is more general and informal. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

What's the difference between "item" and "article"?

"Item" refers to any distinct object or entry, while "article" often refers to a specific object, especially one of a collection or list, or a piece of writing. Choosing between ""item"" and ""article"" depends on context and the desired level of formality.