to itemize

USAGE SUMMARY

"to itemize" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of listing items or details individually. For example: "Please itemize your expenses for the trip." Alternative expressions include "to list," "to enumerate," and "to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Usually people at those A.G.I. levels choose to itemize their deductions, which reduces their taxable income.

The New York Times

The riches of the new volume are too many to itemize.

The New Yorker

(You will need to itemize your tax deductions in order to claim any charitable donation).

The New York Times - Travel

"You've got to itemize what it is you claim you lost.

The New York Times

Employers, in turn, will have to itemize more information on plan fees and expenses on account statements.

The New York Times

To itemize mail into its constituent parts you need to find a workaround like pieces of mail or letters.

The New York Times

Brian Cashman was not ready to itemize what has gone wrong with his design for the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

Because the standard deduction has increased, many people will not have enough deductions, even with a mortgage, to itemize deductions.

The New York Times

Because there is too little space on the ticket to itemize these, they usually turn up lumped under "XT".

The New York Times - Travel

He suggests expanding the deduction by making it available to those who don't have enough deductions to be able to itemize.

The New York Times

So one way to look at the mortgage-interest deduction is this: It is a housing subsidy for people who make enough money to itemize their taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for clarity, use "to itemize" to ensure each element is clearly distinguished, particularly in invoices, reports, or lists where transparency is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "to itemize" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "to list" or "to detail" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to itemize" is as an infinitive verb. It indicates an action of listing elements individually, typically for clarity or accounting purposes. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to itemize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that means to list individual elements, typically with details, for clarity and accountability. Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and Forbes confirm its widespread use. While versatile, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you want to convey, such as a simple "to list" or a more formal "to enumerate the particulars". While correct, consider using more direct synonyms in informal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to list individually

This alternative emphasizes the act of creating a list with separate entries.

to provide a detailed list

This emphasizes both the act of listing and the level of detail.

to detail each element

This focuses on providing comprehensive information for every item.

to specify each item

This highlights the clarity and precision in the listing.

to enumerate the particulars

This is a more formal way of saying to list the details.

to set out item by item

This suggests a methodical and sequential listing.

to break down into components

This suggests dissecting something into its individual parts.

to catalogue individually

This alternative emphasizes the creation of a comprehensive inventory.

to present a breakdown

This highlights the act of offering a detailed analysis.

to identify each component

This emphasizes the act of recognizing and naming individual parts.

FAQs

How can I use "to itemize" in a sentence?

You can use "to itemize" when you want to specify individual items within a larger context. For example, "The bill requires the company "to itemize" all expenses."

What's the difference between "to list" and "to itemize"?

"To list" is a general term for creating a list, while "to itemize" implies a more detailed breakdown, often with specific costs or attributes assigned to each item.

When should I use "to itemize" instead of "to summarize"?

Use "to itemize" when you need to present each element distinctly, whereas "to summarize" is used when you need to provide a condensed overview.

What are some alternatives to "to itemize" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you could use alternatives like "to enumerate the particulars" or "to detail each element" for a more professional tone.