the above items

USAGE SUMMARY

"the above items" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was previously mentioned or listed in the same text. For example: We discussed the various options available for improving our product line. The above items are all viable and worth considering.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It turns out to have swung, on one of the above items, in a different direction entirely.

The Guardian - Opinion

But MGH/Partners does which would put you inside the MGH firewall to handle all the above items.

Harvard University

Although, so many remarkable results in the above items have been obtained recently, no concluding results have so far been finalized.

Composites Part B: Engineering

The GL Mass Allocation processes for Endowments and Student Loans are run at month-end as they depend on the above items to be done first.

Stanford University

The GRIPS team is confident the above items are the backbones of a very successful PhD experience at the Space Sciences Laboratory.

University of California, Berkeley

I am not usually a shopaholic, but here not only did the prices appeal to my Yorkshire sensibilities – none of the above items cost more than £2 – but I could convince myself that this retail therapy was doing some good.

The Guardian - Travel

In addition to learning analysis skills for the above items, students will gain a significant amount of experience in simulating RF circuits in SPICE and also building RF circuits within a lab project.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A long list of goods including the above items as well as radios, batteries (rechargeables and mobile-phone batteries; those for automobiles or boats don't qualify), and re-useable ice packs are free of tax from June 1st-12th.

The Economist

Mellon HBV acknowledged ASMI's resistance in a letter to the company's board, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, but argued that a change was needed: We realise that the above items will result in fundamental changes to the current business model of ASMI.

The New York Times

some combination of the above items.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

All of the above items have the Kensington lock port.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the items you're referring to with "the above items" are clearly and explicitly stated earlier in your text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the above items" if the referenced items are spread throughout a lengthy document; instead, use a more specific label or category to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the above items" functions as a referential phrase. It points back to specific elements (items) that have been previously mentioned or listed in the text. This is confirmed by Ludwig, indicating that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the above items" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for referring to elements previously mentioned in a text. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from scientific and academic writing to news and general content. While highly versatile, clarity is key: ensure the reference is unmistakable. Consider more formal alternatives like "the aforementioned items" for professional settings. By avoiding vagueness and considering the context, you can effectively use "the above items" to maintain coherence and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the items mentioned above

Reorders the words while keeping the meaning identical.

the aforementioned items

Uses a more formal word ("aforementioned") to indicate items previously mentioned.

the foregoing items

Uses a more formal term ("foregoing") to refer to what precedes.

the previously listed items

Specifies that the items were presented as a list.

the items described earlier

Highlights that the items were described at an earlier point in the text.

the items in question

Refers to items currently under discussion or consideration.

the specified items

Implies that items were specifically designated or named.

these items

Shorter and less formal; assumes immediate context is clear.

the earlier points

Broader and suitable when referring to abstract concepts or arguments.

the details above

Refers to details instead of specific items.

FAQs

How can I use "the above items" in a sentence?

Use "the above items" to refer back to a list or set of things that you have already mentioned in your text. For example, "We need to address these issues: budget constraints, lack of resources, and personnel shortages. "The above items" must be tackled immediately".

What's a more formal alternative to "the above items"?

Consider using alternatives such as "the aforementioned items" or "the foregoing items" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using "the above items"?

Make sure that the items you are referencing are clearly listed or described in the preceding text. If there's any chance of confusion, rephrase the sentence to be more specific.

Is it okay to use "the above items" in academic writing?

Yes, "the above items" is acceptable in academic writing, but ensure that it is used judiciously and the reference is crystal clear. More formal alternatives might sometimes be preferred depending on the context and style guide.