what will be will be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what will be will be" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common saying that means that the future is uncertain and uncontrollable, and whatever is meant to happen will happen. Example: "I can't predict the outcome of this job interview. All I can do is my best and remember that what will be will be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what will be will be".

Independent

"What will be will be.

The New York Times

He added: "What will be will be.

The Guardian - Sport

ROMANER: (looking euphoric):What will be will be.

The New Yorker

So we are just going to enjoy this one and what will be will be.

The Guardian - Sport

They have a job to do and what will be will be.

The Guardian - Sport

Looked at fatalistically, we might well say, "What will be will be".

The Guardian - Books

What will be will be, whereas battling forever against the odds will just be exhausting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What will be will be, I have had an unbelievable 21 years there.

The Guardian - Sport

I am not going to let any negative energy into this, and what will be will be.

The Guardian - Sport

They sat back and let him leave, acting like a small-market franchise, rubbing their hands together in penurious fashion and saying, what will be will be.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what will be will be" when you want to express a sense of acceptance and resignation towards events that are beyond your control. It’s suitable when acknowledging uncertainty about the future.

Common error

Avoid using "what will be will be" as an excuse for inaction or complacency. While the phrase implies acceptance, it shouldn't discourage proactive efforts to influence outcomes where possible. It is not a free pass.

Linguistic Context

"What will be will be" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a declarative statement that expresses acceptance of the inevitable or uncontrollable nature of future events. As Ludwig AI says, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. The phrase suggests a philosophical stance of surrendering to fate or destiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what will be will be" is a very common idiomatic expression used to convey acceptance and resignation towards uncontrollable future events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it is most frequently used in News & Media, expressing philosophical resignation. While the phrase suggests acceptance, it's important not to use it as an excuse for inaction. Alternatives include phrases like "come what may" or "it is what it is". The register of the phrase is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Que sera, sera

A direct foreign equivalent, embracing a similar sentiment of accepting the future without anxiety.

Whatever happens, happens

A more direct restatement of the original phrase, highlighting the acceptance of any possible outcome.

It is what it is

Directly acknowledges the present reality without dwelling on what could have been, promoting acceptance.

Come what may

Focuses on accepting whatever happens, emphasizing a sense of bravery and resolve in the face of uncertainty.

So be it

Indicates acceptance of a situation, often with a tone of resignation or finality.

That's the way the cookie crumbles

This idiom suggests accepting disappointment or misfortune as an unavoidable part of life.

It's out of my hands

Highlights the lack of personal control over a situation, leading to an acceptance of whatever the outcome may be.

Let fate decide

Emphasizes surrendering control to destiny or a higher power, removing personal responsibility for the outcome.

There's nothing I can do

Emphasizes a lack of agency and control, leading to acceptance of the inevitable.

Accept your destiny

Focuses on the acceptance of an inevitable outcome or predetermined course of events.

FAQs

How can I use "what will be will be" in a sentence?

You can use "what will be will be" to express acceptance of an outcome that is beyond your control. For example, "I've done all I can to prepare for the test; now, "what will be will be"".

What does the expression "what will be will be" mean?

The expression "what will be will be" means that whatever is destined to happen will happen, regardless of efforts to change it. It suggests a sense of acceptance and resignation towards the future.

Are there any synonyms for "what will be will be"?

Yes, there are several synonyms for "what will be will be", such as "come what may", "it is what it is", or "que sera, sera".

Is "what will be will be" a formal or informal expression?

"What will be will be" is generally considered an informal expression suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but it can also be used in more formal contexts to convey a sense of philosophical acceptance.