the items are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the items are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe or identify specific items in a sentence, often followed by additional information about those items. Example: "The items are located in the storage room and need to be organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The items are no longer available.

The New York Times - Tech

The items are not always cheap.

The New York Times

(The items are available at theo-theo.com).

The New York Times - Sports

Some of the items are arcane.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of the items are his own.

The New York Times

Most of the items are new.

The New York Times

Not all the items are by Frank.

The New York Times - Arts

The items are to be liquidated.

The New York Times

All the items are sold frozen but thaw beautifully.

The New York Times - Food

The items are peddled to galleries and at antique shows.

The New York Times

The items are part of two football memorabilia sales.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the items are" to introduce a list of attributes, conditions, or characteristics that apply to a set of objects. This provides a structured and clear presentation of information.

Common error

Avoid using "the items are" without clearly defining what 'the items' refer to. Lack of context can confuse readers. Instead, provide a clear antecedent or specify the items explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the items are" functions as a statement of being or condition. It's used to introduce information, descriptions, or attributes related to specific objects or entities. Ludwig provides multiple examples where this phrase introduces availability, status, or characteristics of items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

45%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the items are" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce information about specific objects or entities. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and general descriptions. While grammatically correct, ensure that the referent of "the items" is clear to avoid ambiguity. It is more neutral than formal, and it serves primarily to inform or describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the objects consist of

Emphasizes the composition or components of the objects.

the elements consist of

Highlights the elements that make up a particular entity.

the articles comprise

Focuses on what constitutes the articles as a whole.

the goods comprise

Highlights that the goods make up a whole.

these things include

Offers a more general way to list or specify what is being referred to.

these objects contain

Highlights the contents or components physically present in the objects.

the products feature

Highlights key characteristics or selling points of merchandise.

the components embody

Suggests that the components represent or express certain qualities.

these units represent

Focuses on what the units stand for or symbolize.

these entities encompass

Implies a broader scope or range of what is included.

FAQs

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

Use "the items are" to introduce a description, condition, or status of specific objects. For example, "The items are listed in Table 1" or "The items are available at theo-theo.com".

What are some alternatives to "the items are"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the products are", "the objects are", or "the articles are".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the item is" when referring to a single item?

Yes, "the item is" is grammatically correct when you are referring to one specific item. "The items are" is used for multiple items.

How can I make sure my use of "the items are" is clear?

Ensure that the referent of "the items" is clear from the context. You might need to specify what the items are earlier in the sentence or paragraph.