in itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in itself" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
The phrase is typically used to refer to something that is distinct or separate from something else; it is often used to modify or refer to a noun. For example, "The problem, in itself, was not particularly difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A miracle in itself.

The New York Times

That in itself is exceptional.

The New York Times - Sports

That in itself is progress".

The New York Times

That in itself is illegal.

The New York Times

It is marvellous in itself.

Independent

That in itself is unusual.

The Economist

Diversification in itself is defensible.

The Economist

"Experience in itself wasn't enough.

The New Yorker

That in itself is fascinating.

The New York Times

Science is fascinating in itself.

The New Yorker

That, in itself, brings risks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in itself" to emphasize that a particular aspect or quality is being considered independently from other related factors. This can help clarify the specific focus of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in itself" excessively within overly complex sentences, as it can sometimes create ambiguity or make the sentence difficult to parse. Ensure the phrase adds clarity rather than complicating the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in itself" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to specify that something is being considered separately or independently. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in itself" is a versatile tool in the English language, used to isolate specific aspects or qualities for consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts. With a neutral register, it is suitable for a wide range of writing styles. The phrase sees very common usage in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, according to the analysis of source material, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit for enhancing clarity and precision. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in and of itself

This is a slightly more emphatic version of the original phrase, stressing the independent nature.

per se

This alternative is a Latin term that conveys the meaning of "by itself" or "intrinsically".

in its own right

This alternative emphasizes that something has value or importance independent of other factors.

by its very nature

This highlights the inherent characteristics or qualities of something.

intrinsically

This adverb directly conveys that something is inherently part of something's nature.

on its own merits

This alternative focuses on judging something based solely on its qualities, without external influence.

as such

This indicates that something should be considered in the specific way it is defined.

by definition

This focuses on how something's inherent qualities align with its formal definition.

fundamentally

This emphasizes that something is a basic or essential aspect.

essentially

This highlights that something is being considered in its most basic or important form.

FAQs

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

Use "in itself" to highlight an isolated aspect or quality. For example, "The task, "in itself", was not difficult, but the surrounding circumstances made it challenging."

What phrases are similar to "in itself"?

Alternatives include "per se", "in its own right", or "by its very nature". Each option provides a slightly different nuance to emphasize the inherent qualities of something.

When is it appropriate to use "in itself"?

It's appropriate when you want to isolate a specific aspect for consideration. For example, "The cost, "in itself", was reasonable; however, the hidden fees made it unaffordable."

What's the difference between "in itself" and "essentially"?

"In itself" isolates a specific aspect, while "essentially" refers to the fundamental nature of something. "The design, "in itself", was innovative," focuses on that single element. "The project was "essentially" a success," speaks to its overall outcome.