this item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific object or product that has been previously mentioned or is known to the reader. Example: "Please review this item carefully before making your purchase decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This item stated that….

The New Yorker

Who uses this item?

The New York Times

But is this item authentic?

The New York Times

How was this item created?

The New York Times

(Warning: this item is meta).

The New York Times

This item has been corrected.

The Guardian

This item is actually an investment.

The New York Times

He never touched this item until 2010.

Independent

Congress should make sure this item passes.

The New York Times

This item is currently out of stock.

The New Yorker

Why is this item inappropriate?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this item" when you want to clearly refer to a specific object, product, or piece of information that has already been introduced or is easily identifiable within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "this item" repeatedly within the same paragraph or short section. Vary your phrasing with synonyms or more specific references to maintain reader engagement and clarity. Examples of alternatives are "the aforementioned item", "this object", "the subject at hand" etc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this item" functions as a demonstrative determiner plus a common noun, indicating a specific object or piece of information. It serves to directly reference something previously mentioned or readily apparent within the context. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this item" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for referring to a specific object or piece of information. As per Ludwig, its correctness is confirmed. It's particularly common in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure clarity by occasionally substituting it with synonyms or more specific references. Remember to consider context and formality when choosing alternatives like "this object", "this thing", or "the aforementioned item".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this object

Replaces "item" with the more concrete "object", implying a physical thing.

this particular item

Adds emphasis on the specificity of the item being referenced.

this thing

Uses the more general term "thing" instead of "item", which can be less formal.

the present item

Uses "present" to indicate the item currently under consideration.

this matter

Replaces "item" to refer to a topic, subject, or situation being discussed.

this point

Substitutes "item" when referring to a specific idea or argument.

the aforementioned item

Adds formality and specifies that the item has been previously mentioned.

the discussed object

Similar to 'aforementioned', it highlights the fact that it was discussed before.

the subject at hand

Replaces "this item" with a phrase that focuses on the current topic of discussion.

said item

Formal and legalistic way to refer to something already mentioned.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this item" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "the aforementioned item", "the present item", or "said item". These options add a layer of formality suitable for professional or academic writing.

What's a more casual alternative to "this item"?

For a more casual tone, consider using "this thing" or simply referring to the item by its specific name if the context is clear.

When is it appropriate to use "this item" instead of a more specific noun?

Using "this item" is appropriate when the specific noun has already been clearly established in the context. It helps avoid unnecessary repetition and keeps the writing concise. For example, instead of repeating "this product" multiple times, you can use "this item" after the first mention.

Is "this item" always the best choice, or are there instances where another phrase is better?

While "this item" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes be vague. Depending on the context, using a more descriptive phrase like "this object", "this matter", or "this point" can provide greater clarity and precision.