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by itself vs for itself

The correct phrase is 'by itself.' 'By itself' is used to indicate that something is alone or independent, while 'for itself' is not a common phrase in English.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 902 views

by itself

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

'By itself' is used to indicate that something is alone or independent.

Examples:

  • The cat opened the door by itself.
  • The plant grew by itself in the corner of the room.
  • The toy car moved by itself.
  • The book stands by itself on the shelf.
  • The computer crashed by itself.
  • This fantastic news didn't happen by itself.
  • The submission of an export declaration by itself does not give any right to perform exports.
  • The market cannot achieve the necessary transformation away from oil by itself.
  • I suppose it crawled under your bed all by itself.
  • It can't just get there by itself.
  • A sword just doesn't get there by itself.
  • The poncho by itself is fine.
  • It's like that door closed by itself.
  • Even by itself it's worth quite a lot.
  • It has not buried by itself.
  • Berlin, 1939, a flower cart took off by itself.
  • My demo station don't cook by itself.
  • It didn't get there by itself.
  • My demo station don't cook by itself.
  • And there's this scene, it moves around all by itself.
  • The spa will generate business all by itself.
  • No, it's far better just by itself.
  • I'm building a car that drives by itself.
  • Ben, let the car drive by itself.
  • 'Cause there's a strap by itself.

Alternatives:

  • alone
  • on its own
  • independently
  • unaided
  • solo

for itself

This phrase is not commonly used in English.

  • It didn't pay for itself.
  • It seems like it's paying for itself.
  • - Membership practically pays for itself.
  • This new mortgage doesn't pay for itself.
  • These are matters that each country has to decide for itself.
  • The impression given is that the Commission wants for itself maximum flexibility on determining the areas in which it chooses to be involved.
  • Donna, it pays for itself.
  • Sometimes the mind needs to discover things for itself.
  • I think this CV sings for itself.
  • Campbell Academy doesn't pay for itself.
  • - I think your government can decide that for itself.
  • Russia has to choose for itself.
  • Europe could provide for itself with these.
  • Antarctica is a continent with immense natural resources that no country can claim for itself, a natural reserve devoted to peace and science.
  • Do you believe that Baley could think for itself?
  • No, once here it can presumably create a... suitable shell for itself.
  • Madam President, I am concerned about the delay which Sweden has now negotiated for itself.
  • This point demonstrates that Europe is not focusing on short-term gain for itself, but on the bigger picture.
  • In and for itself, the resolution as a whole contains many good viewpoints and demands.
  • The US demands 75 % from the EU and offers only a 53 % reduction for itself.

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