per unit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "per unit" is correct and can be used in written English.
You usually use it when quantifying items into units or portions. For example: "The cost of the shoes is $20 per unit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Production cost (per unit input).

Business Research

Answer: ninety cents per unit".

The New Yorker

That amounts to 47 cents per unit.

The New York Times

Productivity is output per unit input.

The Guardian

His top price was $300,000 per unit.

The New York Times

Outsourcing reduces cost per unit.

Forbes

Mass per unit length.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Screening cost per unit.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Wholesale price (per unit).

Business Research

Retail price (per unit).

Business Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We pay on a per-unit basis.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "per unit", clearly define what constitutes a "unit" in your specific context to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "per kilowatt-hour" instead of just "per unit" when discussing energy costs.

Common error

Avoid using "per unit" without clearly establishing what the "unit" represents. Vague usage can lead to misinterpretations. Instead of saying "the cost is $5 per unit", specify "the cost is $5 per item" or "the cost is $5 per service hour."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "per unit" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify a rate, cost, or quantity relative to a single item or standard measure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "per unit" is a versatile and grammatically sound term used to express values in relation to a single item or standard measure. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly used in scientific, news, and business contexts. While the phrase is straightforward, clarity is crucial: always clearly define what "unit" refers to. Alternatives such as "for each unit" or "per item" can sometimes provide more specific meaning. In conclusion, "per unit" is useful for a variety of contexts when appropriately employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for each unit

Emphasizes the individual nature of each unit being considered.

per item

Focuses specifically on individual items rather than a general unit of measurement.

for every unit

Highlights the distribution across every unit.

on a per-unit basis

Adds formality, emphasizing a structured method of calculation or pricing.

unit-wise

Slightly less common, but directly indicates considering something in relation to a single unit.

for a single unit

Highlights that only one single unit of measurement is considered.

by the unit

Indicates a sale or price determined by individual units.

in units of

Specifies the type of unit being measured.

each

Implies 'per unit' when the context already establishes what a unit is.

for every single item

Explicitly emphasizes each item separately

FAQs

How can I use "per unit" in a sentence?

Use "per unit" to express a rate, cost, or quantity relative to a single item or standard measure. For example: "The electricity costs 10 cents "per kilowatt hour"" or "We sell these items for five dollars "per item"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "per unit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "for each unit", "per item", or "on a per-unit basis".

Is "per unit" formal or informal language?

"Per unit" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though "on a per-unit basis" can add slightly more formality in business or technical writing.

What does "cost per unit" mean?

"Cost per unit" refers to the expense incurred to produce, acquire, or deliver one individual item or a standard measure. It's often used in business and accounting to determine profitability and pricing strategies.