as itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is of its own character or state. For example: "He was determined to remain true to himself as itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was good as itself.

The Economist

But also as itself.

The Guardian

"I consider the artwork to exist as itself," he said.

The New York Times

This one is twice as fast as itself.

The New Yorker

Does the elite serve the public, as well as itself?

The New York Times

It's leading culture as itself a kind of strategy.

Harvard Business Review

A cynical, mercenary, demagogic press will produce in time a people as base as itself.

Columbia University

Pushing a button reverses the states of the buttons attached to it as well as itself.

The New York Times

EVERYTHING that exists, taught Aristotle, is the same as itself, and is different from everything else.

The Economist

The alliance is good at talking to others as well as itself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

U-As itself was inversely related to the expression of these same genes in our study cohort.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as itself" to emphasize the inherent qualities or state of something, distinguishing it from external factors or comparisons. For example, "The artwork should be appreciated "as itself", not just for its potential resale value."

Common error

Avoid using "as itself" when simply stating a fact or describing something without the intention of highlighting its inherent nature. Overuse can make your writing sound redundant or unnatural. Instead, consider if the phrase truly adds value to the sentence by emphasizing the unique character of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as itself" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to emphasize that something exists or is considered in its own right. It is used to highlight inherent qualities or a state of being, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as itself" is a versatile tool for emphasizing the inherent qualities or state of something, distinct from external factors. Ludwig highlights its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions as an adverbial, modifying verbs or adjectives to draw attention to intrinsic characteristics. While it's valuable for adding emphasis, overuse can lead to redundancy. Alternatives like "in its own right" or "per se" can provide similar emphasis in different contexts. Ludwig's examples showcase how "as itself" is used to consider things for their inherent value, making it a powerful phrase in thoughtful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in and of itself

Stresses the self-contained nature of something, considered alone.

in its own right

Focuses on inherent value or qualities, emphasizing independence from other factors.

as a thing in itself

Emphasizes considering something as a separate entity.

per se

Highlights that something is being considered in its essential nature.

on its own merits

Focuses on evaluating something based solely on its qualities.

intrinsically

Emphasizes inherent qualities or characteristics of something.

standing alone

Stresses the independent existence and value of something.

by its own nature

Highlights the inherent qualities that define something.

in isolation

Highlights examining something separately from its surroundings.

without external influence

Focuses on the lack of outside factors affecting something.

FAQs

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

Use "as itself" to emphasize that something should be considered in its own right, without external factors or comparisons. For example, "The concept is valuable "as itself", regardless of its practical applications."

What does "as itself" mean?

The phrase "as itself" means considering something for its intrinsic qualities, without regard to external influences or comparisons. It highlights the inherent nature or state of the subject.

What are some alternatives to "as itself"?

You can use alternatives like "in its own right", "per se", or "intrinsically" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "as itself"?

While not always redundant, ensure the phrase adds value by emphasizing the subject's inherent nature. If the meaning is clear without it, consider omitting "as itself" to avoid unnecessary wording.