whatever will be will be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever will be will be" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express acceptance of future events that are beyond your control. Example: "I’ve done all I can; now, whatever will be will be." Alternative expressions include "what will happen, will happen" and "let it be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I invite you to experiment with full prostration at that time, to experience unhooking your will from whatever it is that you are clutching too tightly, and prostrate yourself before the Ultimate one, whose timing and design for our lives remains a mystery, and before whom we surrender our willfulness to this Truth: Whatever will be, will be.

Huffington Post

"Whatever will be, will be.

The New York Times

"Whatever will be, will be," he said.

The New York Times

Do say: "Whatever will be, will be".

The Guardian - Music

Bonds said essentially, whatever will be will be.

The New York Times - Sports

So I'll be shooting off to Spain to see them and whatever will be, will be.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Hoping to deliver to him personally, we had an approach of 'whatever will be will be'.

BBC

Her rendition of "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" was dramatically slowed, the better to convey its advice to sit back and let things take their course.

The New York Times - Arts

He's has a 'whatever will be, will be' mentality and that's quite nice," said Skinner on Tuesday, after being knocked out in an early keirin round.

The Guardian - Sport

Fans repeatedly sang: "Que sera sera/Whatever will be, will be/We're going to Wembley.... ...... Awaiting them there were Redknapp and Tottenham, which defeated Portsmouth, 2-0, in league play on March 27.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whatever is meant to be will be".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whatever will be will be" when you want to express acceptance of a situation you cannot change. It can provide comfort in uncertain times.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever will be will be" as an excuse for inaction. While it acknowledges acceptance, it shouldn't discourage effort where change is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever will be will be" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to express acceptance or resignation towards events that are beyond one's control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever will be will be" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase expressing acceptance or resignation towards uncontrollable future events. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media, as well as formal and business settings. While it provides comfort in uncertainty, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding fatalistic implications. Alternative phrases like "what's meant to be will be" offer similar sentiments with nuanced tones. Recognizing its function, purpose, register, and potential pitfalls enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

que sera sera

This is the original phrase in Spanish, directly translated it means 'what will be, will be'.

what's meant to be will be

This alternative places a stronger emphasis on destiny or predetermination.

what happens, happens

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the same sentiment.

it is what it is

This phrase is more resigned and less optimistic than the original.

we'll see what happens

This expresses a lack of control over the future, with an emphasis on observation.

come what may

This suggests a more proactive acceptance of whatever the future holds, emphasizing courage in facing uncertainty.

time will tell

This alternative highlights the uncertainty of the future and suggests waiting for events to unfold.

that's the way the cookie crumbles

This idiom implies acceptance of an unfortunate or unfair outcome.

it's out of my hands

This emphasizes a lack of personal agency in influencing the outcome.

let nature take its course

This alternative is more passive, suggesting non-interference in a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "whatever will be will be" to express acceptance of a situation beyond your control. For example, "I've prepared as much as I can for the interview, now "whatever will be will be"."

What's a more proactive alternative to "whatever will be will be"?

While "whatever will be will be" expresses acceptance, phrases like "come what may" suggest facing the future with courage and action.

Is "whatever will be will be" always appropriate?

While generally acceptable, using "whatever will be will be" might seem insensitive in situations where active intervention is necessary and possible. Consider the context carefully.

How does "whatever will be will be" compare to "it is what it is"?

Both express acceptance, but "it is what it is" often conveys a more resigned or even negative feeling, while "whatever will be will be" can be more neutral or even hopeful.