Is It Correct to Say “Be It”?

Have you ever come across a sentence like “Be it rain or shine” and wondered if it sounded right? You’re not alone. That phrase—“be it”—raises eyebrows for many writers and speakers. On one hand, it appears formal, maybe archaic; on the other, it remains in use in literature, journalism, and even everyday speech. In this article, you’re going to dive deep into the phrase “be it” — explore what it means, when it’s appropriate, how it works grammatically, and whether you should use it (or steer clear). You’ll see clear examples, useful tables, and modern alternatives that will keep your writing polished and natural. By the end you’ll know whether “be it” is correct, stylish, or just plain outdated.

Understanding the Phrase “Be It”

When someone writes “be it”, they’re typically using a subjunctive form, meaning something like “whether it is” or “let it be”. For example:

“Be it good or bad, I’ll stand by you.”

Here the phrase suggests: “Whether it is good or bad…” In effect, the writer uses “be it” to present alternatives or contrasts. Grammar forums confirm this:

“’Be it … or …’ has the meaning … ‘whether it be … or …’”
Also: “It’s an archaic construction … using the (nearly obsolete) subjunctive form … to convey a conditional.” 

So yes — “be it” is correct, but it carries a particular tone and usage. It’s not the everyday conversational phrasing you’d use in casual chat.

The Grammar Behind “Be It”

What’s going on grammatically?

• The verb “be” here is the base (infinitive) form of “to be.”
  
• It’s used in the subjunctive mood — a form that expresses possibility, condition, desire, or uncertainty, rather than a straightforward statement of fact. Press & Assessment)
  
• English doesn’t have a fully productive subjunctive the way Latin or French do. Yet some fixed expressions survive.
  
• In “be it …”, the subject and verb are inverted: rather than “It be …”, we get “Be it …”. That inversion adds to the formal or literary feel.
  

Subjunctive vs Indicative — quick table

As you see, using “be it” signals you’re not describing a fact, but offering a condition or alternative.

When and How to Use “Be It” Correctly

You’ll most often find “be it” in these contexts:

• Formal writing: speeches, legal resolutions, ceremonial texts.
• Literary or poetic passages where tone and rhythm matter.
• Situations where you contrast alternatives or emphasize “whatever it may be”.
  Examples:

• “Be it joy or sorrow, life goes on.”
• “Be it resolved that the committee approve this motion.”
• “Be it known henceforth that…”

In these cases, “be it … or …” introduces alternatives — good or bad, day or night, success or failure.

Usage tip: If you’re writing a blog, an email to a friend, or everyday messaging — you’ll usually want a simpler alternative (more on that soon).

“Be It” vs. “Whether It Is” — What’s the Difference?

If you’re aiming for natural everyday English, “whether it is” or “even if it is” will often feel a better fit.
“Be it” remains correct — but its tone is elevated.

Is “Be It” Grammatically Correct?

Short answer: Yes.
“Be it” is completely grammatically correct when you use it in the right context. It employs the subjunctive mood correctly and introduces alternatives properly. Many grammar resources confirm:

• The phrase “be it … or …” means something like “whether it be … or …”.
  Though the subjunctive is rare in modern English, these fixed expressions persist. Writers who use it accept the formality or poetic vibe it brings.
  However — because it’s somewhat archaic or elevated, when used in casual contexts it might feel out of place or even unnatural.

Origins and Historical Use of “Be It”

Let’s take a brief historical detour. The phrase “be it” and similar subjunctive constructs date back to older English forms. For instance:

• Old and Middle English had a more active subjunctive mood. Over time, many subjunctive forms faded.
• Writers like William Shakespeare and documents such as laws or proclamations used patterns like “be it …” or “let it be …”.
  Even today, legal language uses “Be it enacted that…” or “Be it resolved that…” where “be it” introduces an official resolution.
  Because of this heritage, “be it” often carries a formal or traditional feel.

Common Mistakes with “Be It”

Here are pitfalls to watch out for:

• Mistake – Using it casually:
  ❌ “Be it a good idea?” (Sounds odd, overly formal)
  ✅ “Is it a good idea?” or “Whether it’s a good idea…”
  
• Mistake – Using incorrect subject/object:
  You want subject form after “be”. For example:
  ❌ “Be them pears or apples…”
  ✅ “Be they pears or apples…”
  
• Mistake – Overusing it as a filler:
  Because “be it … or …” has a strong rhythm, using it too often makes your writing sound stylised or stilted.

Summary of common errors:

• Over-formal phrasing in a casual context
• Incorrect grammar (subject vs object)
• Using “be it” where a simpler, clearer phrase would serve better

Modern Alternatives to “Be It”

If you want to convey the same meaning but in more conversational style, try these alternatives:

• “Whether it is…”
  “Even if it’s…”
• “No matter if it’s…”
• “Regardless of whether…”

Example substitutions:

• Instead of “Be it cold or warm…”, write: “Whether it’s cold or warm, I’ll still go out.”
• Instead of “Be it success or failure…”, write: “Even if it’s a success or a failure, I’ll learn from it.”

Using these keeps your writing natural while maintaining clarity.

Examples of “Be It” in Sentences

Here are various examples across different tones:

• Formal/Official: “Be it resolved that the terms of this agreement be accepted.”
• Poetic: “Be it light or shadow, truth shall guide our steps.”
• Everyday writing (somewhat stylised): “Be it laughter or tears, the night ended gently.”
  And here are less recommended ones (because they feel forced):

• ❌ “Be it your birthday, you must not forget to call.”
  Better: “Whether it’s your birthday or not, you should call.”
• ❌ “Be it the car or the bicycle, she rode home.”
  Better: “Whether it’s the car or the bicycle, she rode home.”

“Be It” in Literature and Everyday Speech

Although less common in everyday speech, “be it” appears in literature, formal speeches and advertising. For example:

• In old proverbs: “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”
• In modern advertising: “Be it the style of your hair or the way you walk…”
• In legal resolutions: “Be it enacted by the Senate…”

Because of its elevated tone, when used intentionally it adds a touch of gravitas, formality or poetic flair.

Quick Grammar Recap — When You Should Use “Be It”

Here’s a handy checklist:

Use “be it” when:

• You write formally (speech, essay, resolution)
  You want to present alternatives or contrast: “be it … or …”
  You’re aiming for a literary or rhetorical effect
  Avoid “be it” when:

• You’re writing conversationally or casually
• Clarity matters more than style
• A simpler phrase fits your tone better

Final Thoughts — Should You Use “Be It”?

In short: yes, you can use “be it” and it will be grammatically correct. But you should use it with intention. It suits formal, literary or elevated writing. In everyday speech it may feel out of place. If in doubt, default to simpler alternatives like “whether it is” or “even if it is”. Your audience will likely appreciate the clarity.

FAQs About “Be It”

Is “be it” old-fashioned?

Yes — somewhat. It carries a formal or archaic feel.

Can I use “be it” in academic writing?

Yes — when the tone allows. But avoid it in informal or pragmatic sections.

What’s the modern equivalent of “be it”?

“Whether it is…”, “Even if it’s…”, “No matter whether…”.

Is “be it” used in American English?

Yes — though more rare than in British English. It remains correct but less common.

Why do legal documents use “be it”?

Because it’s a long-established formal construction that signals official resolution or decree.

In summary, the phrase “be it” is valid, expressive, and appropriate — but it’s not for everyday casual use unless you want that elevated tone. Now that you know how it works, what it means, and when to use it, you’ll be able to decide whether “be it” fits your writing — or whether a more conversational alternative does the job better.

Bella Rae