non existent items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "non existent items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items that do not exist or are not present in a particular context. Example: "The inventory report showed several non existent items that were mistakenly listed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The contractors, after paying the two men, then passed the expense along to Livent by including non-existent items in their invoices to the company.

The New York Times

Non existent for 70 minutes.

BBC

Education opportunities were almost non existent.

Unicef

If you know you'll be somewhere the bathrooms are disgusting or non-existent, keep a few items on hand to help yourself stay clean.

WikiHow

For the 19-item total composite score, minimum scores were non-existent and maximum scores were 1.2%.

Diabetic Medicine

Recycle items where you can and keep the plastic junk element low or non-existent.

WikiHow

Whatever is non-existent remains non-existent for ever and whatever is existent always exists.

SEP

That is non-existent.

The Guardian

Inflation is non-existent.

The Guardian

Non-existent, in fact.

The Guardian - Sport

The Non-existent knight.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to discrepancies in inventory or records, use "non existent items" to clearly indicate that the items listed do not physically exist or cannot be accounted for.

Common error

Avoid using "missing items" when you specifically mean the items never existed in the first place. "Missing items" implies they were once present but are now lost or unaccounted for, while "non existent items" denotes they never existed at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non existent items" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to identify and categorize items that are recorded or listed but do not actually exist. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which often relate to discrepancies or inaccuracies in records, inventories, or databases. Its main function is to categorize those items that do not exist but are listed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "non existent items" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe items that are listed or recorded but do not actually exist. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and applicability across various contexts, particularly in identifying discrepancies or inaccuracies in records. While alternatives like "missing items" or "unavailable items" exist, "non existent items" specifically denotes that the items never existed in the first place. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, with a neutral register, and is most commonly found in news, business, and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missing items

Focuses on the absence of items, differing slightly in that it implies they were expected or should be present.

absent items

Similar to missing, but emphasizes a more general lack of presence.

unavailable items

Indicates items that are not currently accessible or obtainable, shifting the focus to their present state.

items not found

Highlights the unsuccessful search or attempt to locate the items.

fictitious items

Items that are not real or true, often used in the context of stories or false records.

unrealized items

Refers to items that were planned or expected but never came into being.

invented items

Items that have been created or fabricated, implying a deliberate act of creation.

imaginary items

Items that only exist in the imagination, adding a layer of fantasy or unreality.

phantom items

Items that appear briefly or are illusory, suggesting a lack of substance or permanence.

apocryphal items

Items of doubtful authenticity or authorship, often used in historical or religious contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "non existent items" in a sentence?

You can use "non existent items" to describe entries in a database or inventory that should not be there. For example, "The audit revealed several "non existent items" listed in the company's inventory, indicating potential fraud".

What's the difference between "non existent items" and "missing items"?

"Non existent items" refer to things that never existed. "Missing items"/s/missing+items, on the other hand, are items that existed at some point but are now lost or unaccounted for.

What can I say instead of "non existent items"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unavailable items", "absent items" or "fictitious items".

Is it appropriate to use "non existent items" in formal writing?

Yes, "non existent items" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts such as reports, audits, and official documentation where accuracy and clarity are essential.