Cool MateIt is what it is vs What can I say
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It is what it is
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
What can I say
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: It is what it is
| It is what it is | What can I say | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz wɒt ɪt ɪz//🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz wɑt ɪt ɪz// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt kən aɪ seɪ//🇺🇸 //wɑt kən aɪ seɪ// |
| Meaning | Accept a situation as it is. | A phrase used to express a lack of words or options. |
| Example | When the project failed despite our efforts, we just said, 'It is what it is.' | After hearing the news, all he could say was, 'What can I say?' |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | accept it as is, deal with it, live with it | What can I say?, What can I do?, What can I tell you? |
| 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. | Confused about when to use this phrase versus other responses like 'I don't know.', Used too seriously when it’s intended to be lighthearted or humorous., Mispronunciation or unclear delivery, making it lose its conversational tone. |
| Usage notes | Often used in casual conversation to express acceptance of a situation; may not be appropriate in formal contexts. | Often used in casual conversation when someone feels uncertain about how to respond. It’s not usually used in formal writing or speech. |
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Frequently asked questions: It is what it is vs What can I say
What's the difference between It is what it is and What can I say?
It is what it is: Accept a situation as it is. What can I say: A phrase used to express a lack of words or options.
Which is more common: It is what it is and What can I say?
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.' What can I say: After hearing the news, all he could say was, 'What can I say?'
Can I use It is what it is and What can I say interchangeably?
Not always. It is what it is and What can I say 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.