itemize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "itemize" is correct in written English.
It is used when you want to list or detail items individually. Example: "Please itemize your expenses for the business trip." Alternatives include "list" or "detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is possibly because, in part, "lots of people who don't itemize today may aspire to be itemizers in the future," said Jed Kolko, the chief economist for Trulia, a real estate listing Web site.

The New York Times

But it's the elegist in him that wants to itemize every inch of New York's surface, as though to erect a sturdy, wall-like counterfactual against the grief that he cannot admit.

The New Yorker

Several of my cards itemize the President's deafness.

The New Yorker

About 100 million taxpayers — those whose income is entirely from wages and retirement funds, and who do not itemize deductions — should not have to file returns.

The New Yorker

One can also, perhaps, itemize some of the significant ways in which it breaks with almost all earlier confessional writing, of the kind we find in English with De Quincey and Hazlitt, in French with Stendhal.

The New Yorker

The riches of the new volume are too many to itemize.

The New Yorker

The new generation leading China fears that the effort to itemize its financial gains is a story so deep and dangerous that it is worth sacrificing China's broader goals, at home and abroad, in order to prevent it from being told.

The New Yorker

Please itemize the value of the property that A.A.A.A. will be moving on the attached worksheet;     b.

The New Yorker

The option for taxpayers who itemize federal deductions to deduct state and local sales taxes rather than state income taxes has been reinstated for this year and made retroactive for 2012.

The New York Times

He suggests expanding the deduction by making it available to those who don't have enough deductions to be able to itemize.

The New York Times

The so-called above-the-line deduction for qualified higher-education expenses — subtracted from your gross income and taken even if you did not itemize other deductions — expired in 2009.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "itemize" costs or possessions, be specific about the level of detail required to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "itemize" when a general summary is sufficient. Ensure that a detailed breakdown is actually necessary before requesting itemization.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "itemize" is as a verb, indicating the act of listing items individually. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where "itemize" is used to describe actions such as detailing costs or possessions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "itemize" is commonly used to describe the action of listing individual items with detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and business contexts. When using "itemize", clarity is key. Consider related phrases like "list in detail" or "break down" depending on the context. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing its use and provide the necessary level of detail. The examples provided by Ludwig offer valuable insight into how "itemize" is used in real-world scenarios, reinforcing its role in ensuring accountability and transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

list in detail

More explicit, emphasizing both the act of listing and the level of detail provided.

specify individually

Focuses on identifying each item separately and distinctly.

break down

Implies separating a whole into its component parts for clarity.

enumerate precisely

Highlights a numbered list with a strong emphasis on accuracy.

catalog meticulously

Suggests creating a comprehensive and carefully organized record.

present item by item

Focuses on a sequential presentation of individual elements.

detail comprehensively

Emphasizes a thorough and complete description of each element.

spell out

Suggests clarifying something by stating it very directly and explicitly.

set forth clearly

Focuses on presenting information in an organized and easy-to-understand manner.

inventory meticulously

Suggests creating a comprehensive list of assets, resources or possessions, which can be very similar with "itemize".

FAQs

How do I use "itemize" in a sentence?

You can use "itemize" to describe the act of listing items individually and in detail. For example, "The report will "itemize" all expenses related to the project".

What's the difference between "itemize" and "list"?

"List" is a general term for creating a series of items. "Itemize" implies providing more detail for each item on the list, offering a more comprehensive breakdown.

What can I say instead of "itemize"?

You can use alternatives such as "list in detail", "specify individually", or "break down" depending on the desired level of detail and formality.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "itemize"?

"Itemize" is appropriate in contexts where a detailed breakdown of individual components is required, such as financial reports, inventories, or legal documents. It is less suitable for casual conversation or general overviews.