that selfsame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that selfsame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is the same or identical as previously mentioned, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "He returned to that selfsame spot where they had first met, memories flooding back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Perhaps you can replay that selfsame record today in the wake of Ukip advance from South Shields to deepest Surrey.

The Guardian

Now, at the point when technology can prevent such destruction, that selfsame technology is being removed from the few remaining pits.

The Guardian

Her portrayal might shine light on Matt Lucas's comedic talent, but her transformation into a signifier for a pretty hideous archetype - that selfsame Pram Face, supported in her fecklessness by a generous welfare state - speaks volumes about the people we now consider to be fair game.

The Guardian

It seems that selfsame image got lots of Google juice from TechCrunch and when you click on it it pops up under the TechCrunch banner.

TechCrunch

Here's where it gets really geeky: I also discovered and digitally connected each reference to every other book that mentions that selfsame detail.

Huffington Post

In what memory dictates was that selfsame instant, I was standing, looking down, and weeping -- I was glancing at the floor, upon the bent bell of the Meha that had slipped from my three-year old's grasp.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It also goes without saying that those selfsame banks would benefit from financing any the trade deals made with the Modi government of India.

The Guardian

Is it plausible that those selfsame people (And why be coy? It was Oscar de la Renta in the pages of The New York Times Magazine) may have missed school on the day when the key chapters on postmodernism were being assigned?

The New York Times

Which, when you discover that the selfsame chain are also marketing singing sandwiches which chant like a football crowd when opened makes you wonder whether the lasandwich was originally intended to be scoffed to the tinny strains of O Sole Mio.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To say that properties are universals is to say that the selfsame property can be instantiated by numerically distinct things, at least in typical cases.

SEP

Although, in theory, the 3DS technology is wildly superior to previous portable consoles, the fact remained that those selfsame consoles were just fine for playing the vast majority of DS games.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that selfsame" to add a touch of formality or literary flair to your writing, especially when emphasizing the identical nature of something already mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "that selfsame" in informal contexts or when simpler alternatives like "the same" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that selfsame" functions as a demonstrative adjective, specifying and emphasizing that the noun it modifies is identical to one previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and emphasizes something that is the same.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that selfsame" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that serves to emphasize the identity of a previously mentioned noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adds formality and literary flair to writing. While alternatives like "that very" or "the same" exist, "that selfsame" offers a distinct emphasis. Its primary contexts are news, science and encyclopedias, suggesting a more formal style is appropriate, be careful not to overuse it as it can make the writing feel pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that self-same

Hyphenates "self" and "same" without a change in meaning.

the selfsame

Omits "that" for a slightly less emphatic phrasing.

that same

Omits "self" for a slightly less emphatic phrasing.

that very

Replaces "selfsame" with "very" for a slightly less formal tone.

that identical

Substitutes "selfsame" with "identical" for emphasis on exact likeness.

the same

Simplifies the phrase to a more common expression.

that aforementioned

Combines "that" with "aforementioned" to point back to something previously referenced.

the aforementioned

Uses a formal term to refer to something previously stated.

the aforesaid

Employs a legalistic term to indicate something previously mentioned.

that particular

Replaces "selfsame" with "particular", focusing on a specific instance.

FAQs

What does "that selfsame" mean?

The phrase "that selfsame" means the very same thing or person that has already been mentioned. It's a somewhat formal or literary way of saying "the same".

When should I use "that selfsame"?

Use "that selfsame" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to the exact same thing or person previously mentioned, and you want to add a touch of formality or literary style to your writing.

Is it correct to say "that selfsame"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "that selfsame" is a valid, though somewhat uncommon, way to say "the same".

What are some alternatives to "that selfsame"?

Some alternatives include "that very", "the same", or "that identical", depending on the context and desired level of formality.