is self-contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is self-contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is complete and does not require additional information or context to be understood. Example: "The report is self-contained, providing all the necessary data and analysis for the reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Encryption is self-contained.

The Guardian - Tech

He is self-contained.

The New York Times - Magazine

She is self-contained, quiet.

The Guardian - Film

This modern masterpiece is self-contained.

The Guardian

In person, Zink is self-contained, deliberate, and serious.

The New Yorker

"It is self-contained and connects through broadband.

The New York Times - Travel

"The entire creative process is self-contained," says Post, of Daptone.

The Guardian - Music

Each cell is self-contained, so products—and their problems are segregated from each other.

Harvard Business Review

Each manual department is self-contained, so that the organ is really a composite instrument.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The system is self contained and there are no safety concerns.

Cornell University

For anyone with a working knowledge of undergraduate mathematics the book is self contained.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is self-contained" in technical writing, clearly define the boundaries of the system or entity you are describing. Be specific about what is included and what is excluded to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is self-contained" if the entity still requires significant external support or resources. Ensure true independence before applying the phrase to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is self-contained" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe its completeness and independence from external factors. As shown in Ludwig, it highlights the ability of something to operate without needing outside support or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

30%

Science

33%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is self-contained" functions as an adjective phrase indicating completeness and independence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase signifies that the subject requires no external support to function or be understood. While it's generally neutral to formal, avoid redundancy by not overstating the independence and ensure accurate usage by verifying the entity's genuine self-sufficiency before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is self-sufficient

Focuses on the ability to provide for its own needs without external assistance.

is self-reliant

Highlights the ability to depend on one's own capabilities and resources.

is independent

Emphasizes the lack of reliance on external entities or factors.

is self-sustaining

Focuses on the ability to maintain itself over time without external input.

is complete

Stresses the inclusion of all necessary elements; nothing is lacking.

is autonomous

Highlights the capacity for self-governance and decision-making.

is self-governed

Emphasizes the capacity to manage its own affairs internally.

is self-ruling

Stresses the ability to govern itself without external interference.

is internally consistent

Highlights logical coherence and lack of contradiction within itself.

is all-inclusive

Focuses on encompassing everything necessary within itself.

FAQs

How can I use "is self-contained" in a sentence?

The phrase "is self-contained" describes something complete and independent. For example, "The software package "is self-contained", including all necessary libraries and dependencies."

What's a good alternative to saying "is self-contained"?

Alternatives include "is independent", "is autonomous", or "is self-sufficient", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely self-contained"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "completely" to ""is self-contained"" can be redundant as self-containment inherently implies completeness. However, it can add emphasis.

What does it mean when a course description says the course "is self-contained"?

In a course description, ""is self-contained"" means that the course covers all the necessary material and doesn't require prior knowledge of the subject. It provides all the information needed within the course itself.