15 Other Ways to Say “It Is” (With Examples)

The phrase “It Is” often clutters your writing, rendering your prose boring, passive, and verbose. If you seek concise, sharper, and more dynamic language to highlight an idea or make a statement, you have found your essential resource.

This article unlocks a treasury of Other Ways to Say ‘It Is’, providing alternatives that will make your writing direct, powerful, and truly memorable. Start cutting the fluff and elevating your prose today!

What is The Short Word for It Is?

1. This means
2. That’s because
3. The thing is
4. Here’s the deal
5. Turns out
6. Actually
7. In fact
8. Truth is
9. Bottom line
10. Point is
11. Here’s what happens
12. What it boils down to
13. Simply put
14. At its core
15. Essentially

1. This means

This means is a clear, logical phrase used as a direct replacement for “it is,” explaining the consequence or implication of something.

It conveys a straightforward, cause-and-effect tone that feels sharp and confident.

Using “this means” instead of “it is” adds a revealing, rise-and-shine connection nuance that instantly links ideas for the listener.

This phrase is particularly appropriate when clarifying or summarizing.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your team just saw a new sales target on the board, with graphs climbing and everyone exchanging glances. You want to spell out the impact. You could say: “This means.”
• Imagine you’re texting your friend who just got a parking ticket, with the yellow paper still on the windshield. You want to explain the fine. You might say: “This means.”

2. That’s because

That’s because is a causal, explanatory phrase used as a natural way to replace “it is,” giving the reason behind a statement.

It carries a conversational, patient tone that feels like teaching gently.

Using “that’s because” instead of “it is” adds a helpful, light-bulb-moment nuance that makes complex things suddenly simple.

This phrase is especially fitting when someone looks confused.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your little cousin asks why the sky is blue, with both of you lying on the grass and clouds drifting overhead. You want to sound smart but kind. You could say: “That’s because.”
• Imagine you’re calming a coworker who thinks they missed a deadline, with the calendar open and emails checked. You want to reassure them. You might say: “That’s because.”

3. The thing is

The thing is a casual, storytelling phrase used as a soft way to replace “it is,” introducing a key point or mild contradiction.

It delivers a friendly, shoulder-shrug tone that feels relatable.

Using “the thing is” instead of “it is” adds a human, real-talk nuance that makes any explanation feel approachable.

This phrase is particularly perfect for everyday chats or gentle corrections.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is excited about a new diet but you know it’s unsustainable, with smoothie cups everywhere and energy crashing. You want to be honest. You could say: “The thing is.”
• Imagine you’re explaining to your partner why you were late, with traffic still crawling outside and takeout getting cold. You want to soften the excuse. You might say: “The thing is.”

4. Here’s the deal

Here’s the deal is a direct, no-nonsense phrase used as a confident way to replace “it is,” laying out the situation plainly.

It conveys a straight-talk, cards-on-the-table tone that feels trustworthy.

Using “here’s the deal” instead of “it is” adds a movie-trailer, listen-up nuance that grabs attention instantly.

This phrase is especially effective when cutting through confusion.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your roommates are arguing about chores, with dishes piled high and the cleaning chart ignored. You want to propose a new system. You could say: “Here’s the deal.”
• Imagine you’re negotiating a group dinner bill, with receipts spread and wallets open on the restaurant table. You want to be fair. You might say: “Here’s the deal.”

5. Turns out

Turns out is a surprising, revelation phrase used as an engaging way to replace “it is,” revealing unexpected truth.

It carries a light, plot-twist tone that feels entertaining.

Using “turns out” instead of “it is” adds a dramatic, guess-what nuance that keeps listeners hooked.

This phrase is particularly great for stories or updates.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you spent all night researching a family rumor, with old letters scattered and coffee cold. You finally found proof. You could say: “Turns out.”
• Imagine you’re texting your group chat about a celebrity scandal, with screenshots flying and popcorn ready. You want to drop the bombshell. You might say: “Turns out.”

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6. Actually

Actually is a single-word clarifier used as a subtle way to replace “it is,” correcting or adding precision.

It delivers a polite, know-it-all tone that feels smart.

Using “actually” instead of “it is” adds a gentle, fact-check nuance that sounds informed without being rude.

This word is especially handy in debates or casual facts.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend swears penguins can’t fly, with the zoo map in hand and kids running ahead. You want to correct them kindly. You could say: “Actually.”
• Imagine you’re watching a trivia game show together, with the question flashing and everyone shouting answers. You know the right one. You might say: “Actually.”

7. In fact

In fact is a strengthening, evidence-based phrase used as an emphatic way to replace “it is,” adding weight to a statement.

It conveys a scholarly, proof-ready tone that feels convincing.

Using “in fact” instead of “it is” adds a mic-drop, believe-me-now nuance that shuts down doubt.

This phrase is particularly powerful in arguments or presentations.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your sibling thinks you’re exaggerating about homework, with textbooks towering and highlighters everywhere. You want to prove your point. You could say: “In fact.”
• Imagine you’re defending your favorite book in a book-club meeting, with wine glasses clinking and pages dog-eared. You want to back your love. You might say: “In fact.”

8. Truth is

Truth is is a raw, honest phrase used as a heartfelt way to replace “it is,” cutting straight to vulnerability.

It carries a confessional, no-filter tone that feels intimate.

Using “truth is” instead of “it is” adds a soul-baring, real-feelings nuance that builds deep connection.

This phrase is especially moving in personal conversations.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your best friend asks why you’ve been quiet lately, with coffee cooling and rain tapping the café window. You want to open up. You could say: “Truth is.”
• Imagine you’re writing a letter to your younger self, with old photos beside the paper and tears blurring the ink. You want to be gentle. You might say: “Truth is.”

9. Bottom line

Bottom line is a decisive, business-like phrase used as a final way to replace “it is,” delivering the ultimate conclusion.

It conveys a no-more-nonsense, executive tone that feels authoritative.

Using “bottom line” instead of “it is” adds a gavel-banging, case-closed nuance that ends debates cleanly.

This phrase is particularly perfect for meetings or negotiations.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your team is debating two logo options for hours, with sketches everywhere and coffee gone cold. You want to wrap it up. You could say: “Bottom line.”
• Imagine you’re helping your parents decide on a car, with brochures spread and test-drive smiles fading. You want to be practical. You might say: “Bottom line.”

10. Point is

Point is is a focusing, summarizing phrase used as a sharp way to replace “it is,” stripping away fluff to the core message.

It delivers a direct, laser-focused tone that feels efficient.

Using “point is” instead of “it is” adds a spotlight-on-what-matters nuance that keeps everyone on track.

This phrase is especially useful when conversations drift.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your friend is ranting about a bad date for twenty minutes, with ice cream melting and spoons waving. You want to get to the heart. You could say: “Point is.”
• Imagine you’re giving a toast at a wedding, with glasses raised and tears in your eyes. You want to nail the message. You might say: “Point is.”

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11. Here’s what happens

Here’s what happens is a narrative, step-by-step phrase used as a storytelling way to replace “it is,” setting up a sequence.

It carries a cinematic, watch-this tone that feels engaging.

Using “here’s what happens” instead of “it is” adds a movie-director, scene-setting nuance that draws listeners in.

This phrase is particularly great for explaining processes.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re teaching your kid how to make pancakes, with batter splattered and the griddle sizzling. You want to make it fun. You could say: “Here’s what happens.”
• Imagine you’re describing a new office policy, with the memo printed and everyone leaning in. You want to walk them through it. You might say: “Here’s what happens.”

12. What it boils down to

What it boils down to is a simplifying, kitchen-metaphor phrase used as a reducing way to replace “it is,” distilling complexity.

It conveys a chef’s-final-taste tone that feels wise.

Using “what it boils down to” instead of “it is” adds a sauce-thickening, essence-only nuance that clarifies beautifully.

This phrase is especially fitting for complicated topics.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your study group is lost in calculus details, with whiteboards full and energy low. You want to save the day. You could say: “What it boils down to.”
• Imagine you’re helping a friend choose between jobs, with pros and cons listed on napkins. You want to cut to the heart. You might say: “What it boils down to.”

13. Simply put

Simply put is a clear, no-frills phrase used as an accessible way to replace “it is,” making ideas easy to grasp.

It delivers a teacher-at-the-blackboard tone that feels kind.

Using “simply put” instead of “it is” adds a plain-English, everyone-gets-it nuance that removes barriers.

This phrase is particularly perfect for teaching or explaining to beginners.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose your grandparent is confused by streaming services, with remotes tangled and the TV frozen. You want to help gently. You could say: “Simply put.”
• Imagine you’re presenting quarterly results to non-experts, with slides simple and smiles nervous. You want to keep it light. You might say: “Simply put.”

14. At its core

At its core is a deep, essential phrase used as a profound way to replace “it is,” stripping away surface layers.

It conveys a philosophical, heart-of-the-matter tone that feels insightful.

Using “at its core” instead of “it is” adds an onion-peeling, truth-revealing nuance that feels meaningful.

This phrase is especially powerful in emotional or value-based discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re discussing friendship with someone after a fight, with coffee cold and apologies hanging in the air. You want to get real. You could say: “At its core.”
• Imagine you’re writing a company mission statement, with the team brainstorming and whiteboards full. You want to find the soul. You might say: “At its core.”

15. Essentially

Essentially is a concise, summarizing word used as an elegant way to replace “it is,” capturing the main idea gracefully.

It carries a refined, almost poetic tone that feels polished.

Using “essentially” instead of “it is” adds a velvet-glove, distilled-truth nuance that sounds sophisticated yet clear.

This word is particularly versatile in both casual and formal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Suppose you’re explaining quantum physics to a curious date, with wine glasses half-empty and eyes wide. You want to sound impressive. You could say: “Essentially.”
• Imagine you’re wrapping up a long email about project changes, with bullet points bold and signatures ready. You want to end strong. You might say: “Essentially.”

Conclusion

The overuse of “It Is” creates passivity and unnecessary wordiness, weakening your prose. It is time to write directly, sharply, and with a more active stance. By applying these Other Ways to Say ‘It Is’, you will ensure every sentence carries immediate weight and impact. Access more powerful stylistic tools to cut the clutter and master your language today at Other Ways to Say!