an ecosystem in and of itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ecosystem in and of itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something functions independently or has its own distinct characteristics, much like an ecosystem. Example: "The internet has become an ecosystem in and of itself, with its own rules and dynamics that govern user interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In many ways crowdfunding site Kickstarter can be considered an ecosystem in and of itself, used by startups as both a pre-sales marketing platform and a way to get projects funded that might otherwise never get off the ground.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are trying to invent an ecosystem in the midst of an entirely engineered, polluted landscape".

The New York Times

It was an ecosystem in miniature.

The New Yorker

He has created an ecosystem in lifesciences.

Forbes

It's crucial work – coral is such an important ecosystem in terms of sustaining life.

The Guardian - Travel

Choose a particular ecosystem in Antarctica and create a flow chart showing how the life forms of that ecosystem would be affected by an increase in melting.

The New York Times

"Equilibrium is an interactive abstraction of the delicate balance in which an ecosystem hangs in.

Vice

-How would you describe this ecosystem in terms of climate and biome?

The New York Times

In biology, an ecosystem is a community of living creatures that are mutually interdependent.

The New Yorker

Walter V. Reid, director of the assessment project, says ecosystem health is affected by two kinds of pressures that humans exert: changes in demand for (and consumption of ) an ecosystem's specific services, and changes in emissions that might harm the ecosystem.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Understand what an ecosystem consists of.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ecosystem in and of itself" to describe a system or environment that operates with its own internal dynamics and doesn't heavily rely on external factors for its function or existence.

Common error

Avoid using "an ecosystem in and of itself" when simply describing a group or collection of things. Ensure the subject truly functions as a self-regulating and interconnected system to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ecosystem in and of itself" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It emphasizes the self-contained and self-regulating nature of something, drawing a parallel to biological ecosystems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an ecosystem in and of itself" is used to describe something that operates independently and has its own distinct characteristics, mirroring the dynamics of a natural ecosystem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its occurrence is rare, it finds relevance in diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. Alternatives such as "a self-contained system" or "an independent entity" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using the phrase, ensure the context appropriately reflects a self-regulating and interconnected system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a self-contained system

Focuses on the system's ability to function independently.

an independent entity

Highlights the autonomous nature of the subject.

a world unto itself

Emphasizes the unique and distinct characteristics.

a microcosm

Implies a smaller entity that represents a larger one in its entirety.

a closed loop system

Stresses the cyclical and self-sustaining nature.

a self-regulating environment

Focuses on the ability to maintain equilibrium internally.

an autonomous unit

Highlights independence and self-governance.

an island ecosystem

This alternative is more specific to a particular type of isolated ecosystem.

a discrete biosphere

Implies a separate and distinct region of life.

an inherently complete system

This emphasizes the completeness that exists by nature of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "an ecosystem in and of itself" in a sentence?

You can use "an ecosystem in and of itself" to describe something that functions independently with its own distinct characteristics. For instance, "The internet has become "an ecosystem in and of itself", with its own rules and dynamics that govern user interactions."

What are some alternatives to "an ecosystem in and of itself"?

Alternatives include "a self-contained system", "an independent entity", or "a world unto itself" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an ecosystem in and of itself" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when describing complex systems in a formal or scientific context. However, ensure the context justifies the specific and somewhat metaphorical usage of "an ecosystem".

What does it mean to describe something as "an ecosystem in and of itself"?

It means the subject operates like a natural ecosystem, with interconnected components and self-sustaining processes. It suggests independence and internal regulation.