Accepting Reality
Note for Learners: These phrases are 99% interchangeable. They all mean: "I accept this situation because I cannot change it."
Don't stress the differences!
🃏 "It is what it is."
A: The project deadline was moved to tomorrow.
B: Well, it is what it is. Let’s get to work.
A: The hotel room is much smaller than the pictures.
B: It is what it is. We're only here for one night.
A: I lost my lucky pen at the office.
B: It is what it is. You'll have to buy a new one.
Pro-tip: For the next two sections, use "is" for facts and "goes" for actions/luck. But if you mix them up? It is what it is!
🃏 "That's just the way/how it is."
A: Why is traffic always so bad on Tuesdays?
B: That’s just the way it is.
A: The bank charges a fee for every single transfer.
B: That's just how it is with these big banks.
A: The restaurants in this city charge for everything, even ketchup!
B: That’s just the way it is.
🃏 "That's just the way/how it goes."
A: We played a great game, but the other team scored last minute.
B: That's just the way it goes sometimes.
A: I studied for weeks and only got a C.
B: That’s just how it goes occasionally. Don't give up.
A: My computer crashed right before I hit save.
B: Ugh, that's just the way it goes with old tech.
Would you like to try a few "fill-in-the-blank" dialogues to practice?