an ingredient in and of itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ingredient in and of itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is a fundamental component or element on its own, without needing anything else to define it. Example: "While many spices enhance a dish, garlic is truly an ingredient in and of itself that can transform the flavor profile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And that big ice cube's critical--it almost acts as an ingredient in and of itself, gradually diluting the tequila's boozy heat over the course of the first half of the drink.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

MSG is an important ingredient in the cuisines of China and Japan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The active ingredient in many of these treatments is silicone.

WikiHow

That's because of a key ingredient in coffee: caffeine.

The New York Times

Gather all ingredients Mix all ingredients in a bottle of 1 liter (0.3 US gal).

WikiHow

These are the legitimate ingredients, in cocaine of 100percentt purity.

Vice

Pet foods must list ingredients in order of weight.

WikiHow

Combine ingredients in container of blender or food processor.

WikiHow

Directions: Place all ingredients in the base of a blender.

Huffington Post

Have all these ingredients in easy reach of the stove.

The New York Times - Food

Skin lighteners contain an active ingredient or combination of ingredients that reduce the amount of melanin in your skin.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ingredient in and of itself" to emphasize the self-sufficiency and fundamental nature of an element within a larger context. For example, 'In this software, the authentication module is "an ingredient in and of itself," capable of operating independently.'

Common error

Avoid using "an ingredient in and of itself" in contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like 'essential element' or 'key component' when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a descriptive modifier, emphasizing that something is not just a component, but a fundamental and self-sufficient element. Ludwig AI shows it being used to highlight the independent importance of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an ingredient in and of itself" is used to highlight the fundamental and self-sufficient nature of an element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for emphasizing independent importance. While its occurrence is rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts, it serves to underscore the inherent value of something, indicating that it's essential on its own.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental component in its own right

Emphasizes the foundational aspect and independent value.

an essential element by itself

Highlights the crucial nature of the element and its self-sufficiency.

a self-contained ingredient

Focuses on the ingredient's ability to stand alone without needing other elements.

a key element in isolation

Stresses the importance even when considered separately.

a standalone component

Highlights that the component can function independently.

an intrinsic part on its own

Emphasizes the inherent quality and independence.

an inherent component by itself

Highlights the inherent characteristic of the component and its self-sufficiency.

a vital aspect in isolation

Emphasizes the critical nature of the aspect when considered alone.

a primary constituent in its pure form

Stresses the basic nature and unmixed state of the constituent.

a core ingredient without additives

Highlights the central role and the absence of additional elements.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to emphasize that something is a fundamental component or element on its own. For example: "While many spices enhance a dish, garlic is truly "an ingredient in and of itself" that can transform the flavor profile."

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

You can use alternatives such as "essential component", "fundamental element", or "standalone ingredient", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an ingredient in itself" or "an ingredient in and of itself"?

"An ingredient in and of itself" is more emphatic. "An ingredient in itself" could work, but it lacks the added emphasis. The inclusion of "of" emphasizes its independent nature.

What does it mean when something is described as "an ingredient in and of itself"?

It means that the thing being described is fundamentally important and self-sufficient. It doesn't need other factors to justify its importance within the given system or context. It's essential on its own.