It is what it is vs So be it

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

It is what it is

Informal Top 2,000 (common)

So be it

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Most formal: So be it Most common: It is what it is

	It is what it is	So be it
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz wɒt ɪt ɪz// 🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz wɑt ɪt ɪz//	🇬🇧 //səʊ biː ɪt// 🇺🇸 //soʊ bi ɪt//
Meaning	Accept a situation as it is.	That's how it is.
Example	When the project failed despite our efforts, we just said, 'It is what it is.'	If they choose to leave, then so be it.
Register	Informal	Neutral
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Collocations	accept it as is, deal with it, live with it	and so be it, if so be it, so be it then
Common mistakes	Using it in a serious or formal discussion., Confusing it with 'that's how it goes' which has slightly different connotations., Misplacing the phrase in a sentence structure.	Using in overly formal contexts., Misunderstanding as a question instead of a statement., Confusing with similar phrases like 'let it be.'
Usage notes	Often used in casual conversation to express acceptance of a situation; may not be appropriate in formal contexts.	Used to express acceptance of a situation. Avoid in very formal settings.

See it in real clips

Breaking Bad › S1 E5

it is what it is, I guess.

It is what it is

The Lord Of The Rings › The Fellowship Of The Ring

So be it.

So be it. Take the Batman into custody.

The Lord Of The Rings › The Fellowship Of The Ring

So be it.

So be it. Take the Batman into custody.

So be it

Frequently asked questions: It is what it is vs So be it

What's the difference between It is what it is and So be it?

It is what it is: Accept a situation as it is. So be it: That's how it is.

Which is more formal: It is what it is and So be it?

So be it is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: It is what it is and So be it?

It is what it is is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

It is what it is: When the project failed despite our efforts, we just said, 'It is what it is.' So be it: If they choose to leave, then so be it.

Can I use It is what it is and So be it interchangeably?

Not always. It is what it is and So be it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.