item
An individual object, unit, or entry that is part of a larger list, collection, or set. In academic and technical contexts, it specifically refers to a single question on a psychological or educational assessment, or a distinct entry in a ledger or database.
Examples
3 of 5I realized halfway home that I had left a crucial item at the checkout counter.
I realized halfway home that I had left a crucial item at the checkout counter.
The chair requested that we move to the next item on the parliamentary agenda.
The chair requested that we move to the next item on the parliamentary agenda.
So, are those two finally an item, or are they just hanging out?
So, are those two finally an item, or are they just hanging out?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an 'item' as one specific 'I-t-em' on your 'I-nventory' list.
Quick Quiz
The accounting department needs an _____ billing statement to verify the expenses.
Correct!
The correct answer is: itemized
Examples
I realized halfway home that I had left a crucial item at the checkout counter.
everydayI realized halfway home that I had left a crucial item at the checkout counter.
The chair requested that we move to the next item on the parliamentary agenda.
formalThe chair requested that we move to the next item on the parliamentary agenda.
So, are those two finally an item, or are they just hanging out?
informalSo, are those two finally an item, or are they just hanging out?
The psychometric properties of each test item were analyzed using item response theory.
academicThe psychometric properties of each test item were analyzed using item response theory.
The auditor flagged a specific line item in the expenditure report that lacked proper documentation.
businessThe auditor flagged a specific line item in the expenditure report that lacked proper documentation.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
to be an item
to be a romantic couple
item of interest
something noteworthy
big-ticket item
an expensive purchase
Often Confused With
Article is typically used for pieces of clothing or written work, while item is a more general term for any unit in a collection.
Object refers to a physical thing you can touch, whereas an item can be an abstract entry on a list or a question on a test.
Usage Notes
In academic research, 'item' is the standard term for a single question or statement in a survey or exam. In business, 'line item' refers to a specific entry in a financial budget.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the vague word 'thing' in professional contexts where 'item' would provide more precision, especially when discussing lists or inventory.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'item' as one specific 'I-t-em' on your 'I-nventory' list.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'item' meaning 'likewise' or 'in the same manner,' historically used in lists to introduce each new entry.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking media, describing two celebrities as 'an item' is a common journalistic shorthand for confirming they are in a relationship.
Quick Quiz
The accounting department needs an _____ billing statement to verify the expenses.
Correct!
The correct answer is: itemized
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
unknown
A1A person or thing that is not known, recognized, or familiar. It often refers to a mysterious situation or a person who has not yet achieved fame or success.
of
A1A preposition used to show a relationship between a part and a whole, or to indicate belonging and origin. It connects a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence to specify which one or what kind.
in
A1A preposition used to indicate position within a container, a space, an area, or a period of time. It describes being surrounded by something or being inside the boundaries of a location.
it
A1A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or situation that has already been mentioned or is clear from context. It is also frequently used as a dummy subject to talk about time, weather, or distance.
on
A1A preposition used to indicate that something is in a position above and supported by a surface. It is also used to indicate a specific day or date, or to show that a device is functioning.
as
A1A conjunction used to compare two things that are equal in some way. It is most commonly used in the pattern 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity.
this
A1Used to identify a specific person, thing, or idea that is physically close to the speaker or has just been mentioned. It can also refer to the present time or a situation that is currently happening.
by
A1A preposition used to show the method or means of doing something, or to identify the person or thing that performs an action. It frequently appears in passive sentences to indicate the agent or before modes of transport.
we
A1The word 'we' is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people collectively. It is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
or
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives. it indicates that only one of the options is likely, required, or true.
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