it is itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is itself' is a perfectly valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is true of itself and nothing else. For example: "The unique character of this place is itself a testament to its charm and popularity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the "scandal," as Fox calls it, is itself on its face as phony as Mickey Mouse's social security number.

The New Yorker

A class that implements an interface must define its inherited methods or it is itself abstract.

Object-Oriented Design with UML and Java

Second, it is itself regenerative, capable of redesigning its own networked architecture to meet changing needs.

Los Angeles Times

Its subject may be an ordinary working life, but it is itself an extraordinary work".

The Guardian - Books

It is itself almost a wonder of the world in its diversity.

Independent

It is itself historically determined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is itself quite intriguing.

The New York Times - Arts

It is itself and proud of it.

The Guardian

It is itself a character in the video.

The New York Times

It is itself an oath, in another sense — an interjection, an outburst of anger.

The New Yorker

And, lest there be any doubt, it is itself no illusion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it is itself" to highlight that something is not just a part of something else, but also has independent significance. Example: "While the software is a component of the broader system, it is itself a complex and independently functioning module."

Common error

Avoid using "it is itself" when the sentence already implies self-reference. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Ensure it adds genuine emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is itself" functions as an intensifier or emphatic appositive. It emphasizes that something possesses a quality or characteristic inherently and independently. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase indicates something true of itself and nothing else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is itself" serves to emphasize the inherent nature of a subject, highlighting its self-contained qualities. It appears across diverse contexts, from News & Media to scientific literature, albeit predominantly in news sources. While grammatically correct and widely used, it’s essential to avoid redundancy by ensuring the phrase adds genuine emphasis. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase underscores something that is true of itself, and nothing else. Employing alternatives such as "it alone" or "in its own right" can add nuance depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it by its very nature

Highlights that the subject inherently possesses certain characteristics.

it in its own right

Highlights the intrinsic value or qualities of the subject.

it on its own merits

Emphasizes evaluation based on inherent qualities, separate from external factors.

it as such

Emphasizes the subject's specific nature or identity.

it alone

Focuses solely on the subject, emphasizing exclusivity.

it per se

Latin term that singles out the subject in its essence.

it intrinsically

Highlights the inherent nature or quality of something.

it solely

Focuses on the subject to the exclusion of other factors.

it without external influence

Indicates that the subject is self-contained and independent.

it independently

Indicates the subject functions autonomously or is considered separately.

FAQs

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

Use "it is itself" to emphasize a quality inherent to the subject, setting it apart. For example, "The challenge "it is itself" a learning opportunity" highlights the inherent educational value of the challenge.

What alternatives can I use instead of "it is itself"?

Alternatives include "it alone", "it in its own right", or "it as such", depending on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it is itself" redundant?

While it can be redundant if used carelessly, "it is itself" serves to underscore an inherent quality or independent existence, making it distinct from simply using "it is". Use it when you want to stress this self-contained nature.

What is the difference between "it is itself" and "it is, in itself"?

The phrase "it is, in itself," is a variant that adds a slight pause or emphasis. Both convey a similar meaning, but "it is, in itself" might be used for dramatic or rhetorical effect, creating a subtle distinction.