an end in itself

USAGE SUMMARY

"an end in itself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is valuable or meaningful simply for its own sake, rather than as a means to an end or to achieve a greater result. For example, "She found joy in helping others, making it an end in itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Independence is not an end in itself.

The Guardian

Winning is an end in itself.

Independent

The engagement seemed an end in itself.

The New York Times

Litchat has become an end in itself.

The New Yorker

It was an end in itself.

The New Yorker

Innovation becomes an end in itself.

Harvard Business Review

It is an end in itself.

The Guardian

It has become an end in itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Surveillance is an end in itself.

The New Yorker

Connectedness is not an end in itself.

Harvard Business Review

"Peacekeeping is not an end in itself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an end in itself" to emphasize that something is worth pursuing for its own sake, regardless of any further benefits it may bring.

Common error

Avoid using "an end in itself" when you actually mean a means to an end. Ensure you're highlighting intrinsic value, not instrumental purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an end in itself" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something possessing inherent value or serving as a primary objective. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing intrinsic worth rather than instrumental utility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an end in itself" is a phrase used to describe something valuable or important for its own sake, not merely as a means to achieve something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure you are emphasizing inherent value rather than instrumental purpose. Alternatives include ""a goal in itself"" and "intrinsically valuable". Remember, the phrase is "an end," singular, and denotes the ultimate purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a goal in itself

Emphasizes the objective or aim as being intrinsically valuable.

an end per se

Uses the Latin term 'per se' to highlight the intrinsic nature of the end.

an end in its own right

Highlights the justification for the end's existence and value.

intrinsically valuable

Directly states that the thing possesses value within itself.

valuable in itself

Similar to 'intrinsically valuable' but with a slightly different word order.

a purpose in itself

Focuses on the inherent purpose rather than just the end result.

something of intrinsic worth

Emphasizes the inherent value or merit of the subject.

a self-contained objective

Suggests that the objective is complete and independent.

an autotelic activity

Uses the term 'autotelic' to describe an activity that is inherently satisfying.

a worthwhile pursuit in itself

Highlights the endeavor as inherently valuable and meaningful.

FAQs

How can I use "an end in itself" in a sentence?

Use "an end in itself" to describe something that is valuable or desirable for its own sake, not merely as a way to achieve something else. For example, "For her, learning was "a goal in itself", not just a path to a better job."

What are some alternatives to "an end in itself"?

You can use phrases like ""a goal in itself"", "an end per se", or "intrinsically valuable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an ends in itself"?

No, the correct phrase is "an end in itself". The word "end" should be singular because it refers to a single, ultimate purpose or goal.

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

"An end in itself" refers to something valuable for its own sake, while "a means to an end" refers to something done only to achieve a separate goal. For example, studying purely for the love of learning is "a worthwhile pursuit in itself", whereas studying solely to pass an exam is a means to an end.