Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

That's how it is
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you're a teacher that's how it is.

News & Media

Independent

That's how it is with 401 k)'s.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's how it is".

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

"That's how it is," he added.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

That's how it is with Christian.

News & Media

Independent

That's how it is every day".

News & Media

The New York Times

That's how it is," he said.

News & Media

Independent

That's how it is around here.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

That's how it is for me.

News & Media

The New Yorker

That's how it is for everybody.

News & Media

The New Yorker

That's how it is in Evenland.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In narrative writing, use this phrase to convey a character's resignation or pragmatism. It works best as a short, punchy sentence to end a paragraph

Common error

While "That's how it is" is acceptable in journalism, it can appear lazy in academic research. Instead of defaulting to this idiom, provide a specific explanation of the phenomenon, such as "these observations align with established patterns" or "the data supports this conclusion".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "That's how it is" functions as an assertive summary clause. It uses the demonstrative pronoun "that" to reference an antecedent situation and the relative adverb "how" to define its state. Ludwig examples show it often acts as a transition from specific detail to general truth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Arts & Culture

15%

Less common in

Legal Documents

Academic Abstracts

Technical Manuals

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "That's how it is" is a versatile and highly common English expression used to denote the current state of affairs with an air of finality. Ludwig analysis reveals that it is a favorite among journalists and experts to bridge specific anecdotes with universal truths. While it is grammatically correct and reliable, writers should be mindful of its colloquial undertones and ensure it is supported by sufficient context. It is most effectively used when the objective is to emphasize that a situation is fixed or representative of a larger pattern.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's just the way it is

Adds emphasis on the static nature of the situation

It is what it is

Suggests a more fatalistic or resigned acceptance of a difficult reality

That's how it goes

Often used for sequential events or routine outcomes

Such is life

A more formal and philosophical alternative

That's life

Casual and often used to dismiss a minor misfortune

That is the reality

More objective and emphatic regarding the facts

That is the way of things

Literary and slightly archaic version

This is the situation

More clinical and less idiomatic

That's the case

Focuses on the truth or occurrence of an event

This is how it works

Emphasizes the mechanics or procedure of a system

FAQs

How do I use "That's how it is" in a sentence?

It is typically used as a standalone sentence or a concluding clause. For example: "The industry is changing rapidly; "that's how it is" in the tech world."

What can I say instead of "That's how it is"?

You can use synonyms like "it is what it is", "that's just the way it is" or "such is life" depending on the tone you want to set.

Is "That's how it is" informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral. It is common in reputable news outlets, but for highly formal documents, you might prefer "this is the standard procedure" or "such are the circumstances".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "That's how it is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct as it contains a subject and a verb. However, it requires a clear context to be meaningful, as it refers back to a previously stated condition.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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That's how it isGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

That's how it is
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples