the two items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the two items" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific pair of objects or subjects that have been previously mentioned or are known in the context. Example: "I need you to compare the two items on the list and let me know which one is better."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The final bill includes weaker versions of the two items.

The New York Times

There are plausible explanations for the two items.

Independent

The two items had been sent for testing, which was not yet complete.

The New York Times

(In reality, the two items were identical, and both were organically produced).

The New Yorker

The two items bore burn markings that would corroborate the boys' story, officials said.

The New York Times

This obscures important differences in the economic significance of the two items, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two items were counterbalanced across study and test phases.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

These are the two items that can easily be seen from an exterior perspective.

Practical Lock Picking A Physical Penetration Tester's Training Guide

When we are certain that the two items under consideration are not distinct by modal abstraction, we can be sure the two items are really distinct.

SEP

That's about $300 less than you'd pay for the two items separately.

TechCrunch

For screening purposes, these aspects were captured by the two items listed in Table 4.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the two items" when you need to specifically refer to a pair of objects or subjects that have already been introduced or are clearly understood in the context. This phrase provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the two items" when a simpler term like "both" or "the pair" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the two items" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific quantity (two) of nouns (items). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used, indicating its correct grammatical form and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the two items" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to a specific pair of objects or subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence across various domains such as Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias. While simple alternatives like "both items" or "the pair of items" exist, "the two items" offers clarity and precision. It is essential to avoid redundancy by not overusing it in contexts where the pair is already evident. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "the two items" into your writing to enhance clarity and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the pair of items

Replaces "two" with "pair", emphasizing the dual nature.

both items

Shortens the phrase while retaining the meaning of two specific items.

the aforementioned items

Adds formality by indicating that the items were previously mentioned.

the couple of items

Uses "couple" instead of "two", implying a small number.

the specified items

Indicates that the items have been explicitly identified or designated.

the aforementioned subjects

Uses "subjects" to describe the items discussed earlier.

the two elements

Substitutes "items" with "elements", suitable when referring to components.

the two components

Replaces "items" with "components", best used when referring to parts of a whole.

the subjects in question

More formal and abstract, suitable when referring to topics or subjects.

the objects under consideration

Emphasizes a formal examination or evaluation process.

FAQs

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

You can use "the two items" to refer to a specific pair of objects or subjects. For example, "I compared the two items on the list and made a decision".

What are some alternatives to "the two items"?

Alternatives include "the pair of items", "both items", or "the couple of items" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the two items"?

While grammatically correct, using "the two items" might be redundant if the context already clearly indicates you are referring to a specific pair. In such cases, simpler terms like "both" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the two items" and "the pair of items"?

Both phrases are very similar. "The two items" is a more direct way to refer to two specific objects, while "the pair of items" emphasizes the grouping as a pair.