is itself

USAGE SUMMARY

'is itself' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is itself, not something else. For example: "The answer to the question is itself quite simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is itself progress.

The Economist

His history is itself double.

The New Yorker

Yet that is itself striking.

The Economist

It is itself historically determined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is itself quite intriguing.

The New York Times - Arts

Nightwood is itself.

The Guardian - Books

The content is itself.

The Guardian - Film

Its elucidation is itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

China is itself corrupt.

The New York Times

This is itself exploitative.

The New York Times

Everything is itself and nothing else.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is itself" to emphasize that a subject's defining characteristics are internal rather than derived from external factors.

Common error

Avoid using "is itself" in sentences where it adds little value; simpler constructions are often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is itself" functions as a reinforcing identifier, emphasizing that the subject possesses a quality or characteristic inherently. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights that something is itself, not something else, providing clarity and emphasis. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to underscore intrinsic attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is itself" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to emphasize the intrinsic nature of a subject. As Ludwig AI affirms, it serves to clarify that something "is itself", rather than something else. It's commonly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its broad acceptance and utility. While overuse in simple sentences should be avoided, "is itself" effectively highlights inherent qualities and characteristics across diverse contexts. Considering alternatives like "in and of itself" or "by its very nature" can further refine expression, while remembering the core function to underscore what truly defines the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in and of itself

Emphasizes the inherent qualities of something, similar to "is itself", but adds a layer of self-sufficiency.

by its very nature

Highlights the inherent characteristic, focusing on the intrinsic quality of the subject.

intrinsically

A single-word adverb that directly conveys the inherent quality of something.

inherently

Similar to 'intrinsically', this highlights the built-in nature of a characteristic.

on its own merits

Focuses on the value or worth of something without external factors.

per se

Latin term meaning "by itself", used to isolate a specific aspect or thing.

as such

Indicates something is being considered in its current state or form.

in its own right

Highlights the independent value or status of something.

fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of something.

essentially

Similar to "fundamentally", focusing on the core attributes.

FAQs

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

Use "is itself" to emphasize the inherent nature or characteristic of a subject. For example, "The challenge "is itself" quite complex" highlights the complexity as an intrinsic quality.

What are some alternatives to using "is itself"?

Alternatives include "in and of itself", "by its very nature", or using adverbs like intrinsically or inherently depending on the context.

Is there a difference between using "is itself" and "in and of itself"?

While both phrases emphasize inherent qualities, "in and of itself" adds a layer of self-sufficiency. "Is itself" simply highlights a quality, while "in and of itself" suggests independence and completeness.

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "is itself"?

Avoid using "is itself" when it adds unnecessary emphasis or complexity to a sentence. In many cases, a simpler construction can be more direct and effective.