outstanding items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding items" is correct and regularly used in written English.
It typically refers to things (such as tasks, payments, or issues) that have not yet been completed or resolved, but are still pending. Example: We need to address the outstanding items on our to-do list before we can move on to the next phase of the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One of the outstanding items for full normalization is Cuba's presence on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terror.

The New Yorker

"We obviously have still a number of outstanding items from the 2014 budget, namely getting our Medicare co-payment through the Senate as well as changes to higher education where we are two votes short," he said.

The Guardian

The three outstanding items (the correspondence of Gershom Scholem and Walter Benjamin, "Memoirs of Hadrian," by Marguerite Yourcenar, and "From Spanish Court to Italian Ghetto, Isaac Cardoso: A Study in Seventeenth Century Marranism and Jewish Apologetics," by Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi) are all listed as unavailable.

The New Yorker

Among the outstanding items is Victorious Youth, one of few life-size Greek bronze statues to have survived to modern times.

Wikipedia

"I can't tell you the number of people who will contact me months (and unfortunately even years) after their divorce is finalized and there are still outstanding items which have not been resolved," she said.

HuffPost

Many GPs reported that the most useful function was the side bar screen which provided an overview at a glance of all the important factors in diabetes management and a reminder of the outstanding items in the patient's type 2 diabetes care.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Follow through on one outstanding item on your To Do list now, while this post is fresh in your mind.

Columbia University

"The only possible outstanding item at this point is if St . Johns decides to appeal to the N.C.A.A. regarding the restitution," Manetta said.

The New York Times - Sports

By R. Dugan and Brendan Gill The New Yorker, November 22, 1947 P. 28 Kress's is featuring a full line of doll's-house furnishings, an outstanding item of which is a Duncan Phyfe dining-room set made of plastic.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 22, 1947 P. 28 Kress's is featuring a full line of doll's-house furnishings, an outstanding item of which is a Duncan Phyfe dining-room set made of plastic.

The New Yorker

To judge from Brinkley's selection, the domestic operations of government hardly ever crossed Reagan's mind; the outstanding item on his résumé is the collapse of Soviet Communism in the years just after he left office.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outstanding items" in a formal context, ensure clarity by specifying the category of items you are referring to. For example, "outstanding payment items" or "outstanding action items".

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding items" without context, as it can be vague. Always provide specific details to ensure the reader understands exactly what remains unresolved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding items" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a collection of tasks, issues, or objects that remain to be completed or resolved. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outstanding items" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that denotes tasks, issues, or objects that remain pending or unresolved. Ludwig AI analysis shows it appears in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and wiki articles. While its register is generally neutral, it tends towards more formal in professional or academic settings. To ensure clarity, always provide context when using "outstanding items" to specify what type of items you are referring to. Alternatives such as "pending matters" or "unfinished tasks" can be used depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pending matters

Focuses on the unresolved nature of the items, emphasizing their state of being in progress.

unfinished tasks

Specifically highlights the incomplete nature of the tasks at hand.

unresolved issues

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the items, indicating that they need to be addressed and settled.

remaining obligations

Highlights the compulsory aspect of the items, suggesting that they are duties that must be fulfilled.

open questions

Focuses on the uncertainty and need for answers associated with the items.

incomplete deliverables

Emphasizes the lack of completion and the need for the items to be finalized and handed over.

outstanding debts

Highlights the financial aspect, referring to money that is owed but not yet paid.

pending actions

Focuses on the required steps that have not yet been taken.

notable elements

Shifts the focus to items that are particularly important or worthy of attention.

significant components

Highlights items that are essential or integral to a larger system or process.

FAQs

How can I use "outstanding items" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding items" to refer to tasks, payments, or issues that need to be resolved. For example, "Let's review the list of "pending matters" to ensure we address all the "outstanding items" before the deadline".

What are some alternatives to saying "outstanding items"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unfinished tasks", "unresolved issues", or "remaining obligations" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "outstanding items" and "exceptional items"?

"Outstanding items" typically refers to things that are pending or unresolved, while "exceptional items" usually denotes things that are remarkable or of particularly high quality.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "outstanding items"?

The phrase "outstanding items" is suitable in various contexts, including project management, finance, and general task management, where there's a need to identify and address things that have not yet been completed.