that's how it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"that's how it is" is a perfectly valid part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something as unchangeable, implacable, or inescapable. For example, you could say "I'm sorry things had to end this way, but that's how it is".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Independent

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

The New York Times

That's how it is".

The New York Times - Sports

PL: That's how it is.

The New York Times

So that's how it is".

The New York Times - Sports

And that's how it is".

The New York Times

But that's how it is.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

That's how it is with Christian.

Independent

That's how it is every day".

The New York Times

That's how it is," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's how it is" to acknowledge a situation that cannot be changed or easily influenced. It's suitable for conveying resignation, acceptance, or a matter-of-fact perspective.

Common error

While "that's how it is" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone sound passive or dismissive. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "it is what it is" or "that's the way it is" to maintain a more engaging and nuanced style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's how it is" primarily functions as an declarative statement, expressing acceptance, resignation, or acknowledgement of a situation or fact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It often concludes a discussion or provides a sense of finality, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's how it is" is a common phrase used to express acceptance, resignation, or acknowledgement of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and validity in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase, and consider alternatives to maintain a nuanced and engaging style. The phrase serves as a declarative statement, aiming to provide closure and acceptance of the current state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the way it is

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the manner or method of the situation.

it is what it is

A more concise and common alternative, often used to express resignation.

that's just how things are

Emphasizes the general state of affairs rather than a specific situation.

that's the reality of the situation

More formal and highlights the factual nature of the circumstances.

those are the facts

Focuses on established truths or evidence that cannot be altered.

there's no changing it

Highlights the inability to alter the current situation.

that's the long and short of it

Implies a concise summary of a complex situation.

it can't be helped

Expresses that no action can prevent or improve the current circumstances.

such is life

A philosophical expression indicating acceptance of life's difficulties.

that's how it goes

Indicates that a situation is a typical occurrence or pattern.

FAQs

What does "that's how it is" mean?

The phrase "that's how it is" is used to express acceptance of a situation, often implying that it cannot be changed or avoided. It conveys a sense of resignation or acknowledgement of the current state.

Is "that's how it is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that's how it is" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It follows standard sentence structure and is widely understood.

When is it appropriate to use "that's how it is" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "that's how it is" when you want to express acceptance or resignation about a situation. It's suitable for informal and some formal contexts, depending on the tone and audience. For instance, you may prefer alternative expressions when writing academic papers.

What are some alternatives to "that's how it is"?

Some alternatives to "that's how it is" include "it is what it is", "that's the way it is", or ""that's just how things are depending on the specific nuance you want to convey"".