what it is to

USAGE SUMMARY

"what it is to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe or explain the meaning of something. For example: "I'm not sure what it is to live in poverty, but I am sure that it must be difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I know what it is to lose.

The New York Times - Sports

That's what it is to make music.

The New York Times - Arts

We know what it is to disappear.

The Guardian - Arts

That's what it is to write.

The New York Times

What it is to be Myspace Tom.

The Guardian - Tech

I know what it is to feel bad.

The New York Times - Sports

We all know what it is to mourn, to lose.

The New York Times

I know what it is to unleash that fury.

The New York Times

"I don't know what it is to take anything calmly".

The New Yorker

He knows what it is to feel like a freak.

The New York Times - Books

"I know what it is to have an easy relationship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what it is to" to convey a deep understanding or empathy towards a particular state or experience. For instance, "They understand what it is to be poor."

Common error

Avoid using "what it is to" when discussing purely abstract or theoretical concepts that lack a direct experiential component. For example, instead of "What it is to be a quantum particle", consider "The properties of a quantum particle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it is to" functions as a clause element, often introducing a description or explanation of an experience, state, or concept. Ludwig showcases its usage across varied domains. It serves to define or characterize the subject it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what it is to" serves to articulate a profound understanding or experience. It's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. Alternatives such as "the essence of" or "the experience of" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Remember to use it when describing experiences, but avoid it for abstract concepts. "What it is to" helps bridge understanding by encapsulating the essence of a state or feeling, making it a valuable tool in both writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to know what it's like to

This alternative focuses on personal experience and familiarity.

the experience of

This alternative directly addresses the act of undergoing or living through something.

the feeling of

This alternative highlights the emotional or sensory experience associated with something.

to understand what it means to

This alternative emphasizes comprehension and significance of an experience.

the essence of

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental or intrinsic quality of something.

the sensation of

This alternative relates to the physical or emotional feeling caused by something.

the nature of

This alternative focuses on the inherent characteristics or qualities of something, rather than the experience.

the reality of

This alternative emphasizes the true state of affairs of something.

the truth of

This alternative implies revealing what something genuinely is.

the concept of

This alternative involves the abstraction and understanding of an idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "what it is to" to describe the essence of an experience or state of being. For example, "They know "what it is to lose"".

What are some alternatives to "what it is to"?

Some alternatives include "the essence of", "the nature of", or "the experience of", depending on the context. Consider using "the nature of" when emphasizing inherent qualities.

Is "what it is to" formal or informal?

"What it is to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as shown in various news and media examples.

How does "know what it's like to" differ from "what it is to"?

"Know what it's like to" is more focused on personal experience, while "what it is to" can be broader, encompassing understanding without necessarily having direct personal experience. "Know what it's like to" implies a direct, felt experience.