manifest itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manifest itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe how something becomes apparent. For example, "The importance of kindness began to manifest itself in the lives of the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How does that manifest itself?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And how does it manifest itself?

Independent

Outside politics, how does this manifest itself?

The New York Times - Magazine

How might this active love manifest itself?

The Guardian - Books

"How does it manifest itself?" I ask.

The Guardian - Music

How does the character's misogyny manifest itself?

The Guardian - Books

How does that success manifest itself?

The Guardian - Opinion

It can manifest itself in small ways.

The Guardian

How did this change manifest itself?

The Guardian

So how would the crisis manifest itself?

The Guardian - Business

How does the illness manifest itself?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "manifest itself", ensure the subject is something that can logically express or reveal itself. It's best suited for describing intangible things like emotions, ideas, or conditions rather than physical objects that are simply moved or changed.

Common error

Avoid using "manifest itself" when simpler verbs like "appear", "show", or "become" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious in situations where a straightforward description is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manifest itself" functions as a verb phrase describing the process by which something abstract or latent becomes evident or observable. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in diverse contexts, from emotions manifesting as physical symptoms to societal changes becoming visible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "manifest itself" is a versatile expression used to describe how something abstract or hidden becomes visible or apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase is best used to describe the process by which intangible qualities or conditions reveal themselves, emphasizing the connection between inner states and outward expressions. While "manifest itself" is common, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in scenarios where simpler verbs like "appear" or "show" would suffice. Alternatives such as "become apparent" or "reveal itself" offer similar meanings and can provide variety in your writing. Remembering these nuances will help you wield the phrase effectively and maintain clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become apparent

Focuses on the gradual revealing of something, emphasizing the process of becoming visible or understood.

become evident

Stresses the clarity and obviousness of something as it comes into view.

reveal itself

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing something that was previously hidden.

show itself

Emphasizes the act of something displaying its presence or nature.

make itself known

Highlights the act of gaining recognition or attention, often implying a deliberate action.

come to light

Suggests that something previously unknown or secret has been discovered or revealed.

materialize

Implies the taking on of physical form or substance, making something real or tangible.

surface

Indicates the emergence of something from below or within, becoming visible on the surface.

unfold

Emphasizes the gradual development or revelation of something over time.

become visible

Stresses the act of something becoming capable of being seen or noticed.

FAQs

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

Use "manifest itself" to describe how something abstract or hidden becomes apparent or visible. For example, "Her anxiety began to "manifest itself" through physical symptoms".

What's a simpler way to say "manifest itself"?

Alternatives include "become apparent", "become evident", or "reveal itself". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when a disease "manifests itself"?

When a disease "manifests itself", it means the symptoms or signs of the illness "become visible" or apparent. This is when the effects of the disease can be observed or detected.

How does "manifest itself" differ from "become obvious"?

"Manifest itself" often implies a process of becoming visible or apparent over time, while "become obvious" suggests a sudden realization or clarity. "Manifest itself" is also typically used for less concrete things.