is by itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is by itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a single object, person, or idea that is separate from other surrounding objects, people, or ideas. For example, "This problem is by itself and unrelated to any other issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is by itself nothing new: think razors and blades.

The Economist

That is by itself a source of uncertainty.

The Guardian - Business

Sixteen stone is, by itself, evidence of amazing willpower.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vatican protocol is by itself of little interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Biologists have, however, long debated whether niche-specialisation is by itself enough to promote such radiation.

The Economist

A stronger dollar is by itself a tightening of monetary policy.

The Economist

"The best way to drink it is by itself," he said.

The New York Times

This expansion and refinement of the technologies of containment is, by itself, rarely sufficient.

The Guardian - Opinion

The shelf of chew toys is, by itself, worth the visit.

The New York Times

The vertical motion of warm air is by itself inadequate to initiate the formation of a tropical system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We need to rearrange the equation so that A is by itself on one side of the equal sign.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is by itself" to emphasize the self-contained or independent nature of something, clarifying that it doesn't rely on other factors to be valid or effective.

Common error

Avoid using "is by itself" when the context already clearly implies independence. Redundancy can weaken your writing. Instead, opt for a more concise phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is by itself" primarily functions as a qualifying phrase. It serves to emphasize that the subject in question possesses inherent qualities or capabilities that make it sufficient or independent, without needing external factors or support. The Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is by itself" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the independence or sufficiency of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. As demonstrated by a wide range of examples, it is frequently used in science and news media to highlight inherent qualities or capabilities. When using this phrase, ensure it adds value by clarifying independence rather than creating redundancy. Alternatives like "stands alone" or "is self-sufficient" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "is by itself" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stands alone

Focuses on the independence of the subject without requiring anything else.

is independently

Highlights that the action or quality is performed or exists without external influence.

is self-sufficient

Emphasizes the ability of something to provide for its own needs without external assistance.

exists in isolation

Stresses the separation of the subject from other related entities or factors.

is complete on its own

Highlights the completeness of the subject, implying that it doesn't need additional components to be whole.

is inherently

Emphasizes the intrinsic nature of a characteristic or quality within the subject.

is intrinsically

Similar to "is inherently", focuses on the fundamental nature of a characteristic.

is autonomously

Highlights self-governance or independent operation.

functions independently

Emphasizes the ability of something to operate without external control or support.

suffices

A more concise and formal alternative, implying adequacy or sufficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "is by itself" to emphasize that something is sufficient or independent without needing additional factors. For instance, "The data "is by itself" enough to prove the hypothesis".

What can I say instead of "is by itself"?

You can use alternatives like "stands alone", "is independently", or "is self-sufficient" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is by itself"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that a particular element or factor is adequate or complete without the need for other contributing elements. Using "is by itself" helps emphasize the autonomy and sufficiency of that subject.

What's the difference between "is by itself" and "on its own"?

"Is by itself" emphasizes the sufficiency or completeness of something, while "on its own" can also imply a lack of support or assistance. Both can be similar, but "is by itself" focuses more on inherent capability, while "on its own" highlights independence from external factors.