so it goes

USAGE SUMMARY

"so it goes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express resignation, acceptance, and sadness about a situation. For example: "He was never able to recover from the accident -- so it goes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Or so it goes.

The Guardian - Books

Up to the knees!" So it goes.

The New Yorker

So It Goes With Technology Sites.

Forbes

"But so it goes.

The New York Times - Magazine

So it goes with wine.

The New York Times - Food

And so it goes here.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"The ref called it!" So it went.

The New York Times - Sports

"And so it went," Lord wrote.

The New Yorker

So, it went well.

Los Angeles Times

So it went on.

Independent

So it went.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so it goes" to conclude a statement when acknowledging an unavoidable or undesirable outcome with a sense of resignation. It often follows a statement of fact or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "so it goes" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Reserve it for moments where the resignation feels genuine and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so it goes" functions as an interjection or a concluding remark used to express a sense of resignation, acceptance, or fatalism regarding a preceding statement or event. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is often used when recognizing a situation is beyond one's control. The examples provided by Ludwig show how this phrase is typically placed at the end of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so it goes" is a phrase used to express resignation or acceptance when faced with an unavoidable or undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase carries a neutral to informal tone. It's crucial to avoid overuse and reserve it for appropriate moments. Related phrases like ""that's the way it is"" or "such is life" can serve as alternatives. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's how it goes

A more informal variant, directly echoing the structure of the original phrase.

it is what it is

A modern idiom expressing blunt acceptance of a present reality.

that's the way it is

This alternative conveys a sense of accepting a situation without necessarily implying sadness.

such is life

This phrase directly expresses acceptance of life's difficulties and ironies.

c'est la vie

A French expression (often used in English) with a similar meaning to "such is life".

it can't be helped

This emphasizes the lack of control over the situation.

what will be, will be

This phrase implies a sense of destiny or predetermination.

there's nothing to be done

This highlights the powerlessness to change the outcome.

that's the breaks

An idiom implying that bad luck is simply a part of life.

things happen

A simple and understated expression of inevitability.

FAQs

How can I use "so it goes" in a sentence?

You can use "so it goes" to express a sense of resignation or acceptance after mentioning an unfortunate event or situation. For example, "The deal fell through; "that's the way it is"/so it goes."

What does "so it goes" imply?

"So it goes" implies a passive acceptance of events, often with a hint of melancholy or irony. It suggests that the speaker recognizes the situation is beyond their control.

Are there formal alternatives to "so it goes"?

While "so it goes" is relatively informal, more formal alternatives include "it cannot be helped", ""that's the way it is"", or simply stating the outcome without further comment, depending on the context.

Is "so it goes" always appropriate?

"So it goes" may not be suitable in all contexts, particularly those requiring a proactive or optimistic tone. It's best used when acknowledging a situation where little can be done to change the outcome and expressing acceptance is the most appropriate response.