What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
itemize
Example
Please itemize your expenses for the trip. [itemize: verb]
Example
The report needs to be itemized by department. [itemized: past participle]
detail
Example
Can you detail the steps involved in the process? [detail: verb]
Example
The article provided a detailed analysis of the issue. [detailed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detail is more commonly used than itemize in everyday language. Detail is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while itemize is less common and is typically used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between itemize and detail?
Itemize is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while detail can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
