valuable in and of itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valuable in and of itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has intrinsic worth, independent of its usefulness or context. Example: "The artwork is valuable in and of itself, regardless of its market price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It was valuable in and of itself.

The New York Times - Books

In the same way, "We think invention can be valuable in and of itself," says Myhrvold.

MIT Technology Review

As they see the green piece of paper with the picture of the dead white man, they see it as something valuable in and of itself.

The Guardian

Improving our brains is inherently valuable in and of itself, and not because it offers some kind of competitive advantage relative to others.

The Washington Post

Once again, it needs to be underlined that the study of theoretical physics or English literature or history is valuable in and of itself and that, over and above that intrinsic value, we all have an interest in having a well-educated citizenry.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first the camera was seen as a tool that could replace the artist's hand, but over time the camera's unique capacities its instantaneousness and ability to see more than the human eye (and with better focus)—clearly set a photograph apart from a painting and made photography not an adjunct study but rather a distinct medium valuable in and of itself.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Intrinsic justifications point to democracy as a valuable method of decision-making in-and-of-itself.

SEP

For clients, many of whom are surrounded by impatient heirs and yes-men, the opportunity to talk through their problems with someone discreet and honest is a valuable service in and of itself.

The Guardian - Business

While downstream cost-savings is a valuable service in and of itself — and one that SimplyInsured offers at launch — the company is also looking to help its customers save money during the purchasing process, Shah tells us, which he believes will lead to a larger net savings (and lower bills) down the line.

TechCrunch

I also have fuzzy recollections of a time when being a good speller was a valuable thing in and of itself.

Los Angeles Times

(That said, unlike clothing stores like the Gap, you're generally not going to be able to return a sex toy after you've purchased it but having the ability to hold and see one firsthand, to scale and with physical perspective, may be a valuable experience in and of itself).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "valuable in and of itself" to emphasize the inherent worth of something, regardless of its usefulness or external factors. This highlights its intrinsic qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "valuable in and of itself" when the inherent value is already implied. Redundant use can weaken your writing, making it seem unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valuable in and of itself" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or concept to emphasize its intrinsic worth or importance. This is supported by Ludwig AI, and the examples demonstrate its use in highlighting inherent qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "valuable in and of itself" is a phrase used to emphasize the inherent worth of something, irrespective of its usefulness or external factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds use across various contexts, from academic discourse to news reporting. While versatile, it is best used to highlight intrinsic qualities and should be avoided in redundant contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsically valuable

Emphasizes the inherent nature of the value, suggesting the value comes from within.

valuable on its own merits

Highlights that the value is based on the qualities of the thing itself, without external influence.

inherently precious

Conveys a sense of innate and irreplaceable value.

valuable for its own sake

Focuses on the idea that the value is not dependent on any further purpose or outcome.

an end in itself

Frames the subject as a final goal, rather than a means to something else.

worthwhile in itself

Indicates that the subject provides a fulfilling experience or outcome.

valuable and independent

Highlights the quality of independence.

has intrinsic merit

Emphasizes the inherent qualities that contribute to the thing's value or worth.

self-justifying value

Suggests that no external reasons are required to validate its worth.

valuable irrespective of other factors

Stresses the independence of the item's value from all external variables.

FAQs

How can I use "valuable in and of itself" in a sentence?

Use "valuable in and of itself" to highlight the intrinsic worth of something. For instance, "The pursuit of knowledge is "valuable in and of itself", regardless of any practical applications."

What are some alternatives to "valuable in and of itself"?

Consider using alternatives like "intrinsically valuable", "valuable on its own merits", or "inherently precious" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "valuable in itself" or "valuable in and of itself"?

"Valuable in and of itself" is more emphatic. "Valuable in itself" ("valuable in itself") also indicates intrinsic worth, but the former reinforces the idea that the value doesn't depend on anything else.

What is the difference between "valuable in and of itself" and "useful"?

"Valuable in and of itself" focuses on inherent worth, while "useful" ("useful") implies practical application. Something "valuable in and of itself" possesses worth regardless of whether it serves a specific purpose.