by itself

phrase

1

: without being directly controlled by a person : automatically

The computer shuts off by itself if you haven't used it for a while.

The sprinkler will turn on by itself.

2

: with nothing nearby : alone

The house stood by itself at the end of the street.

Examples of by itself in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Evidence of seat belt nonuse may not, by itself, establish a causal connection to the injuries claimed. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

But the revelation that the Space Force is operating those kinds of assets is by itself a pretty hefty admission. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Passing all three tests, and confirming the market is large enough to be worth the effort, doesn’t build the business by itself. — Mustafa Abdelmonem, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Not that game day roster commitment by itself guarantees anything. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for by itself

• ourself
• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself
• yourself
• elf