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

No serious modern airpower professional argues that bombing, by itself, can solve every military and political problem. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

That, by itself, makes cosmic news, but the nature of that planet and that moon make the story even stranger. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 2026

The statement leaves some room for agents to accommodate travelers under United’s existing change policies, but the airline said an objection to the airport’s name or code is not, by itself, an official reason for a fee-free change. — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 17 July 2026

In Horner’s case, the argument of too much media coverage by itself likely wouldn’t be sufficient grounds for a new trial, Adame said, because every major case gets a lot of media attention. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Rhymes for by itself

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