Grammar fix
be an item
be a romantic couple
To be in a romantic relationship with someone.
How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I heard that Priya and Dan are an item now.
At university, two of my classmates became an item after working on the same project, and they have been together ever since.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They are item.
Say: They are an item.
Use the article 'an' before 'item' in this expression.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Be in a romantic relationship
How informalVery informalNeutral
be an itemYou're here · Informal: describe two people as a romantic couple.
go out withDescribe someone as your boyfriend, girlfriend, or romantic partner.be togetherDescribe an existing romantic relationship when the context is clear.