by itself

idiom

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

Often the condition by itself does not usually cause health problems, and many people with isolated dextrocardia can live full, healthy lives. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Feb. 2026

Implementing a shiny new curriculum will not by itself improve literacy. —Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026

The Carbon 1 and 2 packages total up to about $14,500 just by themselves, and the semi-aniline leather is another $8,000 by itself. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026

But to enforce that claim, Duke had to awkwardly sue a student who sought to transfer, which is a matter of enrollment and by itself can’t be legally blocked. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for by itself

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