That's life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "That's life" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English
It is typically used to express resignation or acceptance of a difficult situation. For example, "I didn't get the job I wanted, but that's life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To them, that's life.

The New York Times - Sports

Hey, that's life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That's life, indeed.

The New York Times

That's life for you.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's life," she said.

The New York Times

That's life, Voice!

The New Yorker

"That's life in America".

The New Yorker

That's life," Mourinho said.

Independent

"That's life," Ms. Fassotte said.

The New York Times

That's life sometimes.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A game that is life itself".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a preceding explanation of what went wrong to maximize its effect as a concluding summary.

Common error

Do not use "That's life" to dismiss a mistake that was actually preventable or your responsibility. In such cases, it sounds like an evasion of accountability rather than a stoic observation of fate. Use it only for truly unavoidable or systemic misfortunes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "That's life" functions as an idiomatic interjection or a predicative statement used to comment on a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable part of written English typically used to express resignation or acceptance of a difficult situation. In the provided examples, it often serves as a concluding remark to a narrative of failure or unexpected change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Legal

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "That's life" is a powerhouse of English idiomatic expression, acting as a linguistic shrug that acknowledges the unpredictability of human existence. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency and correctness in written English, where it is a favorite of journalists at The New York Times and The Guardian to convey a sense of resignation. Whether used to describe a sports loss, a missed opportunity, or a minor daily annoyance, the phrase bridges the gap between frustration and acceptance. It remains one of the most effective ways to signal to a reader or listener that while a situation is unfortunate, it is also unremarkable in the grand scheme of things.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

C'est la vie

French loanword phrase that adds a touch of worldly sophistication to the same sentiment.

Such is life

A slightly more formal or literary alternative often associated with historical last words.

It is what it is

A more modern, pragmatic expression of acceptance focused on the unchangeable nature of facts.

That's just the way it goes

A more casual, narrative way to describe an outcome that wasn't planned.

Life goes on

Emphasizes persistence and the passage of time rather than just the acceptance of the current moment.

Win some, lose some

Specifically used in contexts involving competition or effort where failure is a statistical likelihood.

So it goes

A literary refrain famously used by Kurt Vonnegut to comment on death and inevitability.

The way of the world

Refers to broader societal or natural patterns rather than personal misfortune.

Shit happens

A much more vulgar and blunt version of the same stoic sentiment.

That's how the cookie crumbles

An informal, slightly old-fashioned metaphorical idiom for acceptance.

FAQs

How to use "That's life" in a sentence?

You can use "That's life" as a standalone sentence or after a comma to show acceptance of a bad situation. For example, "I missed the bus and the next one is in an hour, but <a href="/s/that's+life" target="_blank" rel="alternative">that's life."

What can I say instead of "That's life"?

You can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/c'est+la+vie" target="_blank" rel="alternative">c'est la vie", "<a href="/s/it+is+what+it+is" target="_blank" rel="alternative">it is what it is", or "<a href="/s/such+is+life" target="_blank" rel="alternative">such is life" depending on the desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "That's life" and "C'est la vie"?

While both mean the same thing, "<a href="/s/c'est+la+vie" target="_blank" rel="alternative">c'est la vie" is a French loanword that often carries a more philosophical or slightly chic connotation, whereas "That's life" is more direct and common in everyday English speech.

Is "That's life" appropriate for business writing?

Generally, no. In professional reports, it is better to use more specific language like "<a href="/s/unavoidable+circumstances" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unavoidable circumstances" or "<a href="/s/market+volatility" target="_blank" rel="alternative">market volatility" rather than the idiomatic "That's life".