Usage and Grammar

Q. This may sound existential, but is the appropriate word be or is in the following sentence: In the end, it is actual life, whether it be easy or difficult.

A. Both are correct; is is indicative; be is subjunctive. You can read about the subjunctive at CMOS 5.123–27.

[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]