this item is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this item is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing or describing a specific item, often in contexts like product descriptions or inventory lists. Example: "This item is a high-quality backpack designed for outdoor enthusiasts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

(Warning: this item is meta).

The New York Times

This item is actually an investment.

The New York Times

This item is currently out of stock.

The New Yorker

This item is called a twist.

The New York Times

This item is limited to twelve pages.

Columbia University

This item is currently under embargo.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This item was amended 4 January 2010.

The Guardian - Money

This item was amended on 6 January 2010.

The Guardian - Money

This item was amended on 15 July 2016 to correct details of Steve Taylor's career.

The Guardian

Had the message "This item was not added to iCloud because an error occurred"?

The Guardian - Tech

This item was previously located at The George Peabody Library.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing features or specifications, follow "this item is" with clear and concise details. For example, "This item is made of durable materials and features water resistance."

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this item is". Vary your sentence structure to create more engaging and readable content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this item is" functions as a declarative statement, introducing or describing a specific object, product, or concept. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show it specifying attributes, conditions, or states related to the item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this item is" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to introduce or describe something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread usage spans various contexts, from news and academic writing to scientific reports and general descriptions. While it is best practice to avoid overuse by varying sentence structure, it remains a fundamental building block for clear and informative writing. Knowing the potential alternatives such as "the product is" or "the aforementioned item is" can further enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the product is

This is a direct substitution, focusing specifically on items being sold or manufactured.

this particular item is

Adds emphasis that the item being discussed is a specific one, perhaps among others.

the item in question is

This alternative adds a level of formality and precision by explicitly stating that the item is under consideration.

the object is

General alternative applicable to any physical or conceptual object.

the aforementioned item is

This phrase is more formal and refers back to an item previously mentioned.

it's a

A more casual and abbreviated way to introduce or describe an item.

the subject matter is

This option changes the focus to the topic or subject being discussed, rather than a specific object.

the thing is

A more informal way of introducing a detail about an item.

the element is

More technical alternative when discussing components or parts.

what we're discussing is

Shifts the focus to the act of discussing the item, rather than the item itself.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "the aforementioned item is" or "the item in question is" to add precision and a touch of formality.

What's a more casual way to say "this item is"?

In more relaxed contexts, you can use phrases like "it's a" or "the thing is" to keep the tone conversational.

How does "this item is" compare to "the product is"?

"This item is" is a more general phrase applicable to various objects, while "the product is" is specifically used for items being sold or manufactured.

What can I say instead of "this item is" when referring to a topic of discussion?

If you're referring to a subject rather than an object, you might say "the subject matter is" to shift the focus from a specific item to the topic at hand.