It is

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in many different situations. For example, "It is a beautiful sunny day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is.

The New York Times

It is — it is chaos.

The New York Times

"It is how it is".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is what it is".

The New York Times

It is where it is".

Independent

It is commonplace; it is everything.

The New Yorker

It is unacceptable and it is shameful".

The New York Times

"It is what it is, man".

The New Yorker

"It is what it is," Napoli said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is nonsense, but it is grammatical.

The Economist

It is fun, it is really fun.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It is" to introduce a definition or explanation clearly. For example, "It is important to note the distinction between..."

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "It is" in close succession. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is" primarily functions as a declarative statement, asserting a fact, condition, or quality. Ludwig AI identifies its usage in expressing definitions, opinions, or descriptions, as seen in examples like "It is what it is" or "It is unacceptable and it is shameful".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It is" is a versatile and very common phrase used to state facts, express opinions, or provide descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and broad applicability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral, its specific tone depends on the surrounding words. To improve writing, avoid overuse and vary sentence structure. Consider alternatives like "That is" or "This is" to provide more specific context. Mastering the appropriate use of "It is" will enhance clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That is

Changes the subject reference from a general 'it' to a more specific 'that'.

This is

Replaces 'it' with 'this', typically used for something immediately present or being introduced.

It appears to be

Adds a degree of uncertainty or observation to the statement.

It seems to be

Indicates a perception or impression rather than a definitive statement.

The reality is

Emphasizes the factual or truthful nature of the statement.

The fact is

Highlights that what follows is a confirmed or undeniable truth.

As a matter of fact

Introduces a statement that clarifies or emphasizes a point.

In reality

Presents the statement as reflecting the actual state of affairs.

It can be described as

Offers a way to characterize or define something.

It may be considered

Suggests a possible interpretation or evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "It is" in a sentence?

"It is" can be used to introduce a statement, explanation, or description. For instance, "It is crucial to understand the context." or "It is a matter of opinion".

What are some alternatives to starting a sentence with "It is"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "That is", "This is", or rephrase the sentence entirely to avoid starting with "it". For instance, instead of "It is important", you might say "Understanding this is important".

Is it ever incorrect to use "It is"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "It is" can make your writing sound repetitive. Aim for variety by occasionally using different sentence structures.

What's the difference between "It is" and "That is"?

"It is" refers to something previously mentioned or generally understood, while "That is" often introduces something new or specific. Consider: "The problem is complex. It is difficult to solve." versus "The solution is multifaceted. That is why we need more time".