valuable item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valuable item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an object that holds significant worth, either financially or sentimentally. Example: "The museum displayed a valuable item from ancient Egypt, attracting many visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

What was the most valuable item he stole?

The Guardian

The most valuable item in the collection is a 1932 D'Angelico jazz ukulele.

The New York Times

9.15pm: Phil is adamant that the skeleton is the most valuable item.

The Guardian

Game-worn uniforms of exceptional Hall of Famers will always be a valuable item".

The New York Times

We nearly lost it on a plane journey recently, and we realised it was the most valuable item we own!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The jail time applied whether the offence was damaging a valuable item or stealing a packet of biscuits.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Tells about other valuable items.

The New Yorker

SEPARATE financially valuable items from sentimentally valuable ones.

The New York Times

Other valuable items had also been taken by looters.

The New York Times

Valuable items end up becoming overvalued all the time.

The New York Times

And there are valuable items in the house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing why something is a "valuable item", be specific about the source of its value. Is it monetary, sentimental, historical, or practical? Providing context enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "valuable item" as a generic descriptor. Instead, clearly articulate what makes the item valuable. Saying something is a 'valuable historical document' is more effective than simply calling it a 'valuable item'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valuable item" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'valuable' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'item'. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to denote an object of considerable worth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "valuable item" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to something of significant worth, either monetarily or sentimentally. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to wikis and scientific publications. While alternatives like "precious object" or "prized asset" exist, the phrase remains a straightforward and universally understood way to highlight the importance of a particular item. When using this phrase, consider specifying the source of the item's value to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precious object

Replaces 'item' with 'object', emphasizing the rarity or sentimentality of the valuable thing.

treasured possession

Combines the ideas of emotional attachment and ownership, suggesting a high level of value.

worthwhile possession

Substitutes 'valuable' with 'worthwhile' and 'item' with 'possession', focusing on the benefit or utility derived from owning it.

prized asset

Uses 'prized' instead of 'valuable' and 'asset' for 'item', highlighting its high value and importance, especially in a financial or business context.

cherished belonging

Replaces 'valuable' with 'cherished' and 'item' with 'belonging', emphasizing the emotional attachment and sentimental value.

significant artifact

Uses 'significant' and 'artifact' instead of 'valuable' and 'item', suggesting historical or cultural importance.

important commodity

Focuses on the practical or economic value of the item, particularly in trade or commerce.

irreplaceable object

Emphasizes the uniqueness and the inability to replace the item if it is lost or damaged.

costly article

Highlights the high monetary value or expense associated with the item.

expensive piece

Similar to 'costly article', but can also refer to a component or part of something larger that is valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "valuable item" in a sentence?

You can use "valuable item" to refer to something that is either monetarily or sentimentally important. For example: "The museum displayed a "valuable item" from ancient Egypt."

What are some alternatives to saying "valuable item"?

Some alternatives to "valuable item" include "precious object", "worthwhile possession", or "prized asset", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "valuable item"?

While "item" itself implies something of worth, adding "valuable" emphasizes the high degree of worth. Whether it's redundant depends on the context; if the value is obvious, it might be, but if you want to stress the significance, it's appropriate.

What makes an item "valuable"?

An item can be considered "valuable" for various reasons, including its monetary worth, sentimental significance, historical importance, or practical utility. The term highlights that the item is not easily replaceable or disposable.