it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement. For example, "It is important to remember to be kind to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

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

Whatever it is, it is.

The New York Times - Sports

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is" to introduce a definition, explanation, or observation about a subject. Be clear and concise in your statement to ensure the meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "it is", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using different subjects or rephrasing to improve flow and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is" functions as a subject-verb construction introducing a statement, description, or explanation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility in various contexts. It serves to assert a fact or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is" is a fundamental and highly versatile construction in English, serving to introduce statements, descriptions, and explanations across a wide range of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and exceedingly common. While generally neutral in tone, careful attention should be paid to sentence structure to avoid overuse and maintain writing clarity. Alternatives like "that is" or "this is" may offer slight variations in emphasis or formality. Remember to use "it is" consciously to communicate effectively in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is

Emphasizes a more formal or definitive tone compared to "it is".

this is

Specifically refers to something present or immediate, unlike the more general "it is".

it appears

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or observation, where "it is" states a direct fact.

it seems

Similar to 'it appears' but with a stronger connotation of subjective perception.

it exists

Highlights the existence of something rather than describing its state.

it includes

Implies that something contains or comprises certain elements, a specific type of being.

it constitutes

Indicates that something forms or composes a whole, unlike the descriptive "it is".

it represents

Suggests that something symbolizes or stands for something else.

it involves

Highlights the actions, steps or elements connected to something.

it requires

Focuses on the necessary conditions or prerequisites.

FAQs

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

"It is" is used to introduce a statement or observation about a subject. For example, "It is important to be on time" or "It is a beautiful day today".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is"?

Alternatives to "it is" include "that is", "this is", "it appears", or "it seems", depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "it is"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "it is". It is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a statement.

What's the difference between "it is" and "there is"?

"It is" is used to describe or identify something, while "there is" is used to indicate the existence of something. For example, "It is a good book" versus "There is a book on the table".