what it is

USAGE SUMMARY

"what it is" can be used in written English and is a complete sentence.
Example: I don't understand what it is.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that what it is?

Forbes

Here's what it is.

The New Yorker

Wonder what it is.

Cornell University

So what it is?

Yale University

London is what it is.

The New York Times

I know what it is.

The New York Times

Wildness is what it is.

Independent

I understand what it is.

The New York Times

Let's discuss what it is".

The New York Times

"She'll know what it is".

The New Yorker

That's what it is about".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what it is" to acknowledge and accept a situation, especially when further action is limited or unnecessary. This conveys a sense of realism and pragmatism.

Common error

Avoid using "what it is" excessively, especially when it adds little value to the conversation. Overuse can make your speech sound repetitive or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it is" typically functions as a statement of fact or acceptance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and functions as a complete sentence. It's often used to acknowledge a situation without necessarily implying approval or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what it is" is a versatile phrase used to express acceptance or acknowledgement of a situation, often with an implication of limited control. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and frequently employed. While generally neutral, context and tone can influence its perceived positivity or negativity. Be mindful of overuse, and consider alternative expressions like "the reality of the situation" or "that's the way things are" for varied and impactful communication. Prominent sources such as The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ this phrase, attesting to its widespread acceptance and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is what it is

Stresses acceptance of the current reality without dwelling on potential changes.

the reality of the situation

Focuses on the factual or true state of affairs.

the bottom line is

Highlights the essential or most important point.

the way things are

Emphasizes acceptance of the current state, often with a sense of resignation.

that is the case

Confirms the truth or validity of a statement.

that's the long and short of it

Summarizes a situation concisely, highlighting the key points.

that's how it goes

Accepts the unpredictable nature of events.

the state of affairs

Refers to the current condition or situation, typically in a formal context.

such is life

Acknowledges that life involves disappointments and difficulties.

it cannot be helped

Expresses that a situation is unchangeable and must be accepted.

FAQs

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

You can use "what it is" to acknowledge a situation you cannot change, such as in the sentence, "The project is behind schedule, but it is "what it is", and we need to focus on moving forward."

What does "what it is" mean?

"What it is" expresses acceptance of the current situation, often implying a lack of control or ability to change it. It's a way of acknowledging reality and moving on.

Which is correct, saying "it is what it is" or "it is how it is"?

Both "it is "what it is"" and "it is how it is" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and context.

Is using "what it is" considered a positive or negative statement?

The phrase "what it is" is generally neutral but can lean towards negative depending on tone and context. It often implies resignation or acceptance of an undesirable situation, rather than optimism or active problem-solving.