the said item

USAGE SUMMARY

'the said item' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an item that has previously been mentioned in a discussion. For example, "The said item was found to be defective and replaced at no cost to the customer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Like CafePress they can offer T-Shirts and similar items with the photo printed on the said item at a price determined by the user.

TechCrunch

But the result of supposing an item presupposes that the information in question is indeed part of the suppositional scenario created by the supposition of the said item.

SEP

This cheat code will unlock you the said item but it may not give you the achievement point you might get by unlocking from normal playing.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The other shows Linville himself dressed as a terrorist (or bandit, hard to tell) holding up all of the said items.

TechCrunch

Make sure you have equipped the two Magical Stones as they give the chances of dropping the said items.

WikiHow

Disappointing trade figures due to the eurozone crisis and weaker demand in the US, India and China stifled growth in the first half of the year, said Item.

The Guardian - Business

This much improves the value of said item, or otherwise simply makes it a more practical piece.

WikiHow

The children who have said item may walk across, and the 'Troll' or 'River Master' can't catch them.

WikiHow

The police said items belonging to her were found on the roof of a building around the corner from Pleasant Avenue.

The New York Times

The league said items like coolers, backpacks, boxes and umbrellas would not be allowed inside stadiums.

The New York Times - Sports

The Food Standards Agency said items "are a possible health risk" for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the said item" when referring back to a specific object or element that has already been clearly identified in the text to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the said item" in casual or conversational writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the item" or "it" when the context is clear.

Linguistic Context

"The said item" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular noun. This phrase is used to refer back to an item that has already been introduced or identified within the context. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the said item" is a grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to a previously identified object or concept, as confirmed by Ludwig. While Ludwig shows it is grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and it leans toward formal contexts. When deciding whether to use this phrase, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives are often preferable. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where precision and clarity are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aforementioned item

Uses a more formal adjective to indicate something previously mentioned.

the item in question

Highlights that the item is currently under discussion.

the previously mentioned item

Explicitly states that the item was mentioned before.

that particular item

Emphasizes the specificity of the item.

the item referenced

Focuses on the act of referencing the item.

the specific item

Highlights the item's unique characteristics.

the item under consideration

Indicates that the item is being carefully thought about.

the relevant item

Emphasizes the importance of the item to the current context.

the article in question

Replaces 'item' with 'article', suitable when discussing written works.

the subject at hand

More general term referring to the topic being discussed, not just a single item.

FAQs

How can I use "the said item" in a sentence?

Use "the said item" to refer back to something already specified, for example, "After inspecting the goods, "the said item" was deemed acceptable".

What's a less formal alternative to "the said item"?

In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the item", "it", or "the aforementioned item" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "the said item" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "the said item" is appropriate for academic writing. However, ensure its use is concise and contributes to clarity. Overuse might make the text sound repetitive.

What is the difference between "the said item" and "the aforementioned item"?

"The said item" and "the aforementioned item" are largely interchangeable. "The said item" is generally understood, while "the aforementioned item" may be perceived as slightly more formal.