What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
item
Example
I need to buy some items for my trip, like a toothbrush and sunscreen. [item: noun]
Example
The menu has a variety of items to choose from, including salads, sandwiches, and soups. [items: plural noun]
Example
This store sells a wide range of items, from clothing to electronics. [items: plural noun]
object
Example
The object on the table is a vase filled with flowers. [object: noun]
Example
The main object of this game is to collect as many points as possible. [object: noun]
Example
The artist created a sculpture of a human object using clay. [object: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Item is more commonly used than object in everyday language, especially in the context of shopping and inventories. Object is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as art, science, or philosophy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between item and object?
Object can have a more formal or technical connotation than item, which is more neutral and objective in tone. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
