Have you ever heard the phrase “It is how it is”? It’s a simple saying that encapsulates a certain acceptance of reality. In this article, we’ll explore what “It is how it is” means, how people use it, and what it can imply when said to other people.
The Meaning of “It Is How It Is”
“It is how it is” is an expression that is used to acknowledge a situation that exists but cannot be changed. People often use it at the end of a sentence to acknowledge that something has happened but can’t be changed.
Imagine you’re facing a problem that seems unsolvable. “It is how it is” is a way of saying, “Hey, don’t stress too much. This is how things are right now, and it’s okay.” It’s like giving yourself permission to accept reality without getting caught up in trying to change it.
What Can “It Is How It Is” Imply?
When you say “It is how it is” to someone, you are implying several things:
- Acceptance of Reality: You’re acknowledging that a situation is what it is, and it can’t be changed at that moment. This implies a certain level of acceptance and recognition of the circumstances, even if they’re not ideal.
- Resignation: It can also imply a sense of resignation, suggesting that there may not be a quick or easy solution to the problem or that further efforts to change the situation might be futile.
- Encouragement: In some cases, saying “It is how it is” can serve as a form of encouragement or comfort. It lets the person know that it’s okay to let go of worry or stress about the situation and move forward.
- Emphasis on the Present: The phrase typically focuses on the present moment, indicating that it’s more important to deal with the current reality rather than dwelling on how or why things got that way.
Overall, people often use “It is how it is” to convey understanding, empathy, and a practical mindset. This is with aim of encouraging individuals to accept the situation and find a path forward. It is more common in spoken conversation that written text due to its informal nature.
Examples of “It Is How It Is” in Sentences
- You tried to fix an old computer for hours, but it’s still broken. You might say, “I tried fixing the computer for hours, but I just can’t seem to make it work. It is how it is.”
- You missed the last train, and you’re stuck at the station for the night. You can say, “It looks like we missed the train and there won’t be another one until tomorrow. We’re stuck here for the night; it is how it is.”
- Despite your best efforts, a project missed its deadline. You can sigh and say, “I tried to submit the work on time but there were problems we just couldn’t have anticipated, so unfortunately we missed the deadline. It is how it is.”
“It Is How It Is” Vs “It Is What It Is”
“It is how it is” is a bit different from “It is what it is” but they essentially mean the same thing.
While both phrases signal acceptance, “It is how it is” is slightly less formal and refers to the here and now. It’s more about accepting things the way they are right now.
“It is what it is” also means accepting the unchangeable and the way things are now. But, it also hints that it’s not worth going back in time or overthinking. They’re almost identical in meaning but have a very subtle distinction.
Conclusion: “It Is How It Is”
In a nutshell, “It is how it is” is like a friendly reminder to make peace with life’s messiness and our current circumstances. It tells us to accept things as they are, without overthinking or trying to change what can’t be changed. So, move forward, keep on learning, love your family and friends, and try to make the most of life!
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
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