a thing in itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thing in itself" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that exists independently, separate from other factors or influences. Example: "The beauty of nature is a thing in itself, untouched by human influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I don't like nationalism as a thing in itself.

The Guardian

Pick one up, though, and it becomes a thing in itself, an object to be treasured.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's a thing in itself that is a great voice for putting out musical ideas".

The New York Times - Arts

Many of these theorists regard block as a thing in itself, a mental condition that one can be stricken with.

The New Yorker

Rather, it is a thing in itself, whose meaning is right there on its surface but remains difficult to specify.

The New York Times

Like nature it is an idea, a set of cultural postulates, something constructed, rather than a thing in itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Operationalists rejected the idea of nature as a thing-in-itself existing behind the appearances observed in experimentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He sees his farm simply as an ideal place to watch life in its essentials and to try a thing-in-itself way of conveying this — which he considers a new kind of realism.

The New York Times - Magazine

Schopenhauer thought that Hegel had strayed from the Kantian truth that there is a thing-in-itself beyond appearance, and that the Will is such a thing.

SEP

Kant identifies the inadmissible condition as the implicit taking of matter as a thing-in-itself, which in turn leads to the mistake of taking the division of matter into parts to subsist independently of the act of dividing.

SEP

Some of these ideas belong especially to philosophy, such as the view that only the primary qualities are real and the Kantian notion of a thing-in-itself; others, for instance the notions of cause, motion, self, space, thing and time, are deployed in everyday life.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "a thing in itself" to emphasize the inherent qualities of the subject, separate from its external associations or influences.

Common error

Avoid using "a thing in itself" loosely; ensure you understand its philosophical origins (particularly Kant) to prevent misapplication in contexts where a simple 'independent entity' would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thing in itself" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI data and real-world examples show it often serves to identify a subject as existing independently of external factors or influences. Its primary use is to emphasize the inherent qualities of the subject, separate from associations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a thing in itself" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, often used to highlight the independent existence or intrinsic value of a subject. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal and analytical register. While related phrases like "an end in itself" and "intrinsically valuable" exist, "a thing in itself" carries a unique philosophical weight. It's crucial to use it appropriately, being mindful of its Kantian origins to avoid misapplication. Finally, Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an end in itself

Focuses on the purpose of something, suggesting it's valuable for its own sake rather than as a means to something else.

intrinsically valuable

Highlights the inherent worth of something, emphasizing its value comes from within.

valuable in its own right

Emphasizes that something has worth independent of external factors or connections.

complete in itself

Suggests self-sufficiency and wholeness, indicating something doesn't need anything else to be whole.

self-contained entity

Highlights the independent and separate nature of something, often in a more formal context.

independent entity

Stresses the autonomy and lack of reliance on other things for existence or function.

a self-sufficient entity

Highlights the capacity of something to provide for its own needs without external assistance.

inherently meaningful

Focuses on the intrinsic significance of something, suggesting it possesses meaning without needing external validation.

an isolated element

Implies a separation from surrounding factors, emphasizing individuality.

a discrete unit

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of something, often in technical or analytical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a thing in itself" in a sentence?

Use "a thing in itself" to describe something that is considered independently, without reference to other things. For example, "Art can be appreciated as "a thing in itself", regardless of its social impact".

What does "a thing in itself" mean philosophically?

In philosophy, particularly in Kantian thought, "a thing in itself" refers to something as it exists independently of perception or understanding. We can't know things as they are "a thing in itself", only as they appear to us.

What's the difference between "an end in itself" and "a thing in itself"?

"An end in itself" describes something valuable for its own sake, while "a thing in itself" describes something existing independently. The former relates to purpose, the latter to existence. Achieving happiness can be "an end in itself", whereas an atom exists as "a thing in itself".

Are there situations where using "a thing in itself" is inappropriate?

Yes, avoid using "a thing in itself" in casual conversation where simpler terms like "independent" or "separate" would suffice. Overusing philosophical jargon can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear. Only invoke it when the philosophical nuance is relevant.