Be an item
phrase
Be in a romantic relationship.
Everyone in school is talking about how Tom and Tina are an item now.

Often appears as...
- be an item with
- no longer an item
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Be closely connected or identified with.
Those two issues are an item, you cannot deal with one without considering the other.

Often appears as...
- those two issues are an item
- those two topics are an item
Usage tips
Formal
phrase
Be in a romantic relationship.
Everyone in school is talking about how Tom and Tina are an item now.

Often appears as...
- be an item with
- no longer an item
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Be closely connected or identified with.
Those two issues are an item, you cannot deal with one without considering the other.

Often appears as...
- those two issues are an item
- those two topics are an item
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2

Informal Usage
Used mainly in casual conversations, not in formal writing.

Did you hear? Mia and Alex are an item now.
Gossip Context
Often used when discussing or speculating about others' relationships.

I saw Josh and Emma together at the cinema. Are they an item?
Current Relationship
Implies that the relationship is happening now.

Lara and Sam are an item, they just celebrated their one-month anniversary.
Informal Usage
Used mainly in casual conversations, not in formal writing.

Did you hear? Mia and Alex are an item now.
Gossip Context
Often used when discussing or speculating about others' relationships.

I saw Josh and Emma together at the cinema. Are they an item?
Current Relationship
Implies that the relationship is happening now.

Lara and Sam are an item, they just celebrated their one-month anniversary.
Informal Usage
Used mainly in casual conversations, not in formal writing.

Did you hear? Mia and Alex are an item now.
Gossip Context
Often used when discussing or speculating about others' relationships.

I saw Josh and Emma together at the cinema. Are they an item?
Current Relationship
Implies that the relationship is happening now.

Lara and Sam are an item, they just celebrated their one-month anniversary.
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