Meaning of Itself
used when the animal or thing that does an action is also affected by it
In simple words: Refers back to the subject in a sentence.
Itself in a sentence
- The cat was washing itself.
- Does the computer turn itself off?
- The company has got itself into difficulties.
- There's every reason for the team to feel proud of itself.
- The village itself is pretty, but the surrounding countryside is rather dull.
- The manager of the hotel was courtesy itself.
- The machine will start by itself in a few seconds.
- The house stands by itself in an acre of land.
- In itself, it's not a difficult problem to solve.
- The company doesn't have the market to itself.
How to use Itself
Used to emphasize the subject or when the subject performs the action on itself. Avoid in very formal writing where more complex phrases can be used.
Grammar pattern
itself + subject
Memory hint
Sounds like 'it self' — think of 'it doing something for itself'.
Related words
Collocations with Itself
- speak for itself
- do it itself
- by itself
Synonyms for Itself
- oneself
- themselves
- it
Opposites of Itself
Common mistakes with Itself
- Confused with 'it' in some contexts.
- Using 'itself' when the subject is plural.
- Misplaced within longer sentences.
Itself appears in
More words like Itself
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
- AbsoluteB2
total and complete
- AbsolutelyB1
used to emphasize that something is completely true
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Frequently asked questions about Itself
What does Itself mean?
Refers back to the subject in a sentence.
What is the definition of Itself?
used when the animal or thing that does an action is also affected by it
How do you use Itself in a sentence?
The cat was washing itself.
Can you give another example of Itself?
Does the computer turn itself off?
What are synonyms for Itself?
Common alternatives include oneself, themselves, it.
What is the opposite of Itself?
Opposite meanings include others, themselves.
What words go with Itself?
It commonly pairs with speak for itself, do it itself, by itself.
What are common mistakes when using Itself?
Confused with 'it' in some contexts. Using 'itself' when the subject is plural. Misplaced within longer sentences.
How do you pronounce Itself?
US: /["/ɪtˈself/"]/, UK: /["/ɪtˈself/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Itself?
Used to emphasize the subject or when the subject performs the action on itself. Avoid in very formal writing where more complex phrases can be used.
What CEFR level is Itself?
"Itself" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.
