items such as

USAGE SUMMARY

"items such as" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and it is commonly used to introduce examples that support and explain a statement.
For example, "Many people purchase luxury items such as jewelry and designer handbags."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She sells basic items such as sugar and oil.

The Guardian

Easter Saturday saw record sales of barbecue items such as Pimm's and free-range sausages.

The Guardian - Business

This has been spent mainly on big-ticket items such as cars and consumer durables.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the same time, Connecticut faces rising expenditures for items such as Medicaid.

The New York Times

For the traveller, there are smaller items such as pre-digital headphones, antique watches and jewellery.

The Guardian - Travel

Casual items such as polo and knit shirts boast an embroidered hot-air balloon.

The Guardian - Music

They can also discover more intimate items, such as Napoleon's dressing gown, underwear and slippers.

The Guardian

They did not include big budget items such as secondary education, welfare payments or the NHS.

The Guardian

Most will be on commodity items such as nappies and toilet roll.

The Guardian - Business

But for other items, such as shoes, futons and carpets, the only option remains incineration.

The Guardian

The need for food is increasing along with non-food items, such as blankets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "items such as", ensure the items you list are actual examples and fit logically within the category you are describing.

Common error

Avoid listing items that don't clearly represent the category. For example, don't say "hobbies such as running and watching TV" if you are trying to exemplify active hobbies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "items such as" serves as an introducer of examples. It specifies particular instances that fall under a broader category, making statements more concrete and understandable. As supported by Ludwig AI, it clarifies a topic by providing tangible instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "items such as" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce examples. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability and correctness in written English. Its function is to clarify a general category by providing specific instances. Suitable for a variety of contexts, from news and media to everyday conversation, "items such as" is an effective way to make your writing more specific and understandable. Remember to choose examples that clearly represent the category you are describing. Alternatives include "like", "including", and "for example", offering flexibility in phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such as

More concise, omitting the noun "items".

like

A simpler alternative to introduce examples.

for example

A common phrase used to introduce a specific instance.

for instance

Similar to "for example", but can suggest a more specific or illustrative case.

including

Highlights that the listed items are part of a larger group.

as in

Used to provide clarification or an example.

namely

Specifies particular items explicitly.

e.g.

Abbreviation for "exempli gratia", meaning for example.

comprising

Similar to "consisting of", indicating what makes up a whole.

consisting of

Describes the components or elements of something.

FAQs

How to use "items such as" in a sentence?

"Items such as" introduces examples that clarify a general category. For instance, "The store sells grocery items such as milk, bread, and eggs".

What can I say instead of "items such as"?

You can use alternatives like "like", "including", or "for example" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "things and items such as"?

Yes, saying "things and items such as" is typically redundant because "items" already implies "things". Stick to either "things such as" or just "items such as".

What's the difference between "such as" and "including"?

"Such as" introduces some examples but doesn't imply a complete list, while "including" suggests that the listed items are part of a larger, potentially incomplete set.