the following items

USAGE SUMMARY

"the following items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as part of a list, for example, you might say: "Please select one of the following items:" and then list items for selection.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The following items are recalled.

The New Yorker

The following items from West Elm seemed a natural fit.

The New York Times - Style

Only one of the following items (answer below) is untrue - can you guess which?

The Guardian

The following items are recommended by Wilcox.

Forbes

The message has the following items: SARes, IDMN, IDIS.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In addition, the following items are also clear.

Boundary Value Problems

Then the following items (1-3) wexaminedinexamined

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Theorem 3.3 Assume that one of the following items holds.

Boundary Value Problems

For each software package, we indicate the following items.

EPJ Data Science

This system is composed of the following items.

ROBOMECH Journal

The following items were examined: level, fluctuation and worsening of hearing.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the following items", ensure that a clear list or enumeration immediately follows to provide context and meet reader expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "the following items" without actually presenting a list or providing the promised items. Always ensure clarity and completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the following items" functions as an introductory phrase to signal that a list, enumeration, or series of things will be presented. It serves to prepare the reader for what is to come. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the following items" is a correct and very common phrase used to introduce a list or series of elements in both formal and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a reliable way to prepare your reader for an enumeration. While frequently seen in scientific and news media sources, it's crucial to ensure that a clear list immediately follows the phrase to avoid confusing the reader. Alternatives like "the items below" or "the listed items" can be used for variety, but always ensure clarity and completeness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the following points

Synonymous replacement emphasizing sequence of information.

the items below

Emphasizes the spatial relationship (below) rather than temporal (following).

the subsequent items

Replaces 'following' with 'subsequent', indicating a sequence in time.

the listed items

Highlights that the items are presented as a list.

the succeeding items

Similar to subsequent, but may imply a stricter order or hierarchy.

the details below

Substitutes 'items' with 'details', specifying the nature of what follows.

the points below

Replaces 'items' with 'points', emphasizing specific arguments or aspects.

the elements listed below

More descriptive alternative, indicating a list of elements.

here's a list of items

Restructures the phrase to be more conversational and direct.

a list of the next items

Indicates that the elements will be listed next.

FAQs

How do I use "the following items" in a sentence?

Use "the following items" to introduce a list. For instance, "The recipe requires the following items: flour, sugar, and eggs."

What can I say instead of "the following items"?

You can use alternatives like "the items below", "the listed items", or "the subsequent items depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "the following items" in formal writing?

Yes, "the following items" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to introduce a list of items.

Can I use "the following items" to introduce a paragraph instead of a list?

While primarily used for lists, you can adapt it to introduce a paragraph that elaborates on particular aspects. However, ensure that the connection between the introduction and the paragraph is clear.