- itself
- it|self [ ıt`self ] pronoun ***Itself is a reflexive pronoun, being the reflexive form of it. It can be used especially in the following ways:as an object that refers to the same thing that is the subject of the sentence or that was mentioned earlier in the sentence:The machine turns itself off when it has finished printing.The civil war divided the country against itself.after a singular noun or pronoun for emphasis:The document itself is divided into three parts.That itself is the problem.1. ) used for showing that a thing, group, animal, or baby that does something is also affected by the action or is involved in it:It will be several months before the young bird can feed itself.Can the government in Freetown defend itself against rebel attacks?2. ) used for referring back to something already mentioned in the same sentence:Roosevelt's reforms were designed to save American capitalism from itself.We want to create a society that is at ease with itself.3. ) used for emphasizing that you are referring to a particular thing and not to anything else:The problem lies in the software and not in the computer itself.Before we begin the ceremony itself, there are one or two things I should explain.4. ) used for saying that someone or something has a lot of a particular quality:The nurses had been kindness itself to Leonora.Applying online is simplicity itself.(all) by itself1. ) not near any others:His house stood by itself on the edge of the town.2. ) without help or without being made to do something:The door opens by itself as you approach it.The baby will soon be able to stand up all by itself.3. ) used for showing that one particular thing is the only thing involved:Nuclear power by itself cannot provide for all our energy needs.in itself/of itselfused for emphasizing that what you are saying about one particular thing is true without even considering anything else:Some of the medicines were out of date, which was in itself dangerous.Using someone else's name is not of itself a crime, unless there is an intention to commit a fraud.(all) to itselfnot shared with others:This is such a complex matter that it merits a chapter to itself.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.