Cool MateIt is what it is vs That's the way these things go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It is what it is
That's the way these things go
| It is what it is | That's the way these things go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz wɒt ɪt ɪz//🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz wɑt ɪt ɪz// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ðə weɪ ðiːz θɪŋz ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //ðæts ðə weɪ ðiz θɪŋz ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | Accept a situation as it is. | This is how things happen or are usually done. |
| Example | When the project failed despite our efforts, we just said, 'It is what it is.' | When the project failed, I just thought, 'That's the way these things go.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | accept it as is, deal with it, live with it | go smoothly, go wrong, go as planned |
| 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 it in overly formal situations., Misunderstanding its meaning as negative when it's more about acceptance., Confusing with similar phrases like 'that's life'. |
| 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. Typically casual; less appropriate in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: It is what it is vs That's the way these things go
What's the difference between It is what it is and That's the way these things go?
It is what it is: Accept a situation as it is. That's the way these things go: This is how things happen or are usually done.
Which is more formal: It is what it is and That's the way these things go?
That's the way these things go is the most formal of these.
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.' That's the way these things go: When the project failed, I just thought, 'That's the way these things go.'
Can I use It is what it is and That's the way these things go interchangeably?
Not always. It is what it is and That's the way these things go 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.