WordGarden.ioitself
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪtsˈɛlf/
US
- /ˌɪtˈsɛlf/
Meanings
Pronoun
the same thing, animal, or situation already mentioned, used as its own object
the thing, animal, or situation specifically, used for emphasis
Beyond the definition
"Itself" refers back to a thing, animal, place, or idea that is already the subject of the sentence. You use it when that subject also receives the action, or when you want to show that something happens on its own. For example, "The cat cleaned itself" means the cat did the cleaning to its own body, and "The door opened by itself" means it opened without help.
Think of it this way: if a thing or animal acts back on its own self, or if you want to stress that no outside person or force was involved, "itself" is the word you use. It can also add emphasis, as in "The house itself was impressive," where the focus is on the house and not on the garden or the street around it.
"Itself" is a reflexive pronoun. It refers back to a subject such as a thing, an animal, a place, or an idea. You use it when the subject and the object are the same: "The cat cleaned itself." In that sentence, the cat is doing the action and also receiving it.
You will also often see "itself" when something seems to happen on its own. "The problem solved itself" means no one had to step in, and "The door closed by itself" suggests that it closed without help. In everyday English, this use often carries the idea of "automatically" or "without outside action."
"Itself" can also be used for emphasis. In "The city itself is beautiful," the speaker is drawing attention to the city as a whole, not just to one part of it. In the same way, "The idea itself is simple" puts the focus directly on the idea.
This is different from plain "it," which simply names the subject. "Itself" adds the sense of self-reference or extra emphasis. So when a thing turns back on its own action, or when you want to highlight the thing in a stronger way, "itself" is the right choice.
Examples
- 1
Reflexive action
The cat washed itself after dinner.
- 2
Automatic action
The machine turns itself off after ten minutes.
- 3
Direct emphasis
The plan itself is good, but we need more time.
- 4
Contrast focus
I like the house itself, though the street is noisy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
No help
The door opened by itself.
- Phraseby itself
without anyone doing it
- 6
Separate judgment
The mistake was small in itself, but it caused a big delay.
- Phrasein itself
considered alone
- 7
Obvious evidence
The damage speaks for itself.
- Phrasespeak for itself
be clear without needing explanation
- 8
Suitability
This small room lends itself to quiet work.
- Patternlend itself to + use/activity
be suitable for it
See also
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- by itself
- in itself
- of itself
- something lends itself to something
Explore
- reflexive pronoun
- antecedent
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- itselfpronoun