Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
open item
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"open item" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that needs to be further completed or addressed. For example, "We need to go over the open items from the presentation before the meeting tomorrow."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
Soon the Monastic was prevalent enough that it was declared an open item.
News & Media
Fig. 2 Example of a forced-choice item on the Euro demand crisis Fig. 3 Example of an open item on the Euro crisis issue including a final decision made by the test-taker.
For the survey of ESSEA members' ongoing or planned high-risk autism studies, and applied technologies, ESSEA member principal investigators completed an open item format investigator questionnaire.
The Brief IPQ consists of one open item and nine items on a continuous linear scale from 0 to 10 to assess perceptions.
Science
Each open item was analyzed and reported independently except for items of education and training needs that were analyzed and reported with the item of priority needs.
Science
First, all the assessments measured were very standardized so that they could be compared easily across overall patient characteristics; yet, we also provided an open item for the respondents free to respond.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
"This gives us another month or two while we are debating these open items".
News & Media
Work with the separating employee to ensure an orderly transition of responsibilities (i.e. projects, ongoing tasks, open items, specific files on which the employee is currently working).
There are a lot of open items there.
News & Media
I touch base with my publicist to review any open items or editorial or stylist requests.
News & Media
In spoken CALL systems, use could be made of closed or open items.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "open item" to categorize remaining tasks and to set a reminder for upcoming action items.
Common error
Avoid using "open item" excessively in formal reports without providing sufficient context. Instead, briefly describe the item and its current status to maintain clarity and avoid jargon.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "open item" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically refers to a task, issue, or matter that requires further attention or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, appearing in diverse contexts.
Frequent in
Science
29%
News & Media
29%
Academia
14%
Less common in
Wiki
14%
Formal & Business
14%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "open item" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to an unresolved task, issue, or matter that needs further attention. While Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage, its frequency is uncommon, typically found in professional, academic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context and avoid overuse in formal settings. Alternatives like ""outstanding task"" or ""unresolved issue"" can be considered for stylistic variation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
outstanding task
Focuses specifically on tasks that haven't been completed yet.
outstanding issue
Focuses on the lack of resolution of a particular problem.
unfinished task
Focuses on the uncompleted aspect of a task.
unresolved issue
Highlights the lack of resolution for a particular problem or matter.
incomplete task
Highlights that the task hasn't been completed.
pending item
Emphasizes the waiting status.
pending matter
Emphasizes that something is still waiting to be dealt with.
unfinished business
Suggests a sense of incompletion and the need to finalize something.
item for discussion
Indicates that something needs to be talked about and addressed.
open question
Highlights something that has not been answered yet.
FAQs
How can I use "open item" in a sentence?
You can use "open item" to refer to something that needs further completion or attention. For example, "We need to address the "open items" on the agenda before the meeting concludes".
What are some alternatives to "open item"?
Alternatives to "open item" include "outstanding task", "unresolved issue", or "pending matter", depending on the context.
Is it correct to use "open items" instead of "open item"?
Yes, ""open items"" is the plural form and is used when referring to multiple unresolved tasks or issues. "Open item" is used when referring to a single unresolved task or issue.
What does "open item" mean in project management?
In project management, an "open item" refers to a task, issue, or decision that has not yet been resolved or completed and requires further action to be closed.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested