self-contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "self-contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective which is used to describe something that is complete and does not require anything else in order to function. For example, you could say, "This self-contained apartment requires no additional furnishings for comfortable living."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She contains multitudes, and remains self-contained.

The New York Times - Arts

Telecommunications was self-contained.

The Economist

Encryption is self-contained.

The Guardian - Tech

It was self-contained".

The Guardian

They're self-contained.

The New York Times

He is self-contained.

The New York Times - Magazine

She is self-contained, quiet.

The Guardian - Film

They are too self-contained.

The New Yorker

"We've got self-contained flats.

The Guardian

Self-contained and self-possessed.

The New York Times - Magazine

They told self-contained stories.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, consider using "self-contained" to emphasize that no external components or connections are necessary for operation. For instance, "a self-contained water feature is perfect for small gardens".

Common error

Avoid overstating the independence implied by "self-contained". A "self-contained" system might still require occasional maintenance or external resources, even if it operates autonomously in its primary function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-contained" functions primarily as an adjective to describe nouns, indicating that something is complete and does not require external support or resources to operate or exist. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "self-contained" is frequently employed across various domains to denote independence, completeness, and autonomy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical function is straightforward, and its communicative purpose is to emphasize that an entity possesses all necessary elements within itself. While its register is relatively neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure that the scope of independence implied by "self-contained" is realistic and does not overstate the degree of self-sufficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-sustaining

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

self-sufficient

Focuses on the ability to provide for one's own needs without external help.

self-reliant

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

independent

Emphasizes the lack of reliance on external factors or assistance.

self-supporting

Highlights the ability to sustain oneself financially or materially.

autonomous

Highlights the ability to govern or control itself.

stand-alone

Emphasizes the ability to function independently without being connected to other systems.

self-regulating

Focuses on the capacity to control or govern itself without external intervention.

complete

Underscores the idea of having all necessary parts or elements.

independent managed

This alternative highlights the independent oversight of the item or organization.

FAQs

How to use "self-contained" in a sentence?

You can use "self-contained" to describe something that is complete and independent. For example, "The apartment is "self-contained", with its own kitchen and bathroom".

What can I say instead of "self-contained"?

You can use alternatives like "independent", "autonomous", or "self-sufficient" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "self-contained" or "self contained"?

"Self-contained" is the correct spelling as it is a compound adjective. "Self contained" without the hyphen is less common and may be considered incorrect in formal writing.

What's the difference between "self-contained" and "self-sufficient"?

"Self-contained" implies completeness and independence of operation, while "self-sufficient" emphasizes the ability to provide for one's own needs. A unit can be "self-contained" without being fully self-sufficient.