Is that right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is that right" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to confirm or seek validation about information or a statement that has been made. Example: "You said the meeting is at 3 PM, is that right?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Is that right?" "Yeah, that is right.

Vice

Is that right?" Pezzullo replied: "That is so, Mr Dreyfus".

The Guardian

Is that right?    A.

The New York Times

Is that right?" "Yes".

The New Yorker

"Is that right?" Glavine said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Is that right?" he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Is that my right?

The New York Times

Is that not right?

Independent

Is that the right decision?

The New York Times

Is that the right thing?

The New York Times

Is that all right?" "Yes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Is that right?" to politely seek confirmation or clarification, especially when you want to show you're actively listening.

Common error

Avoid using "Is that right?" excessively in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives like "Is that correct?" or "Am I understanding you correctly?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Is that right" functions primarily as an interrogative, used to seek confirmation or validation of a statement. It's a common way to check understanding or express mild surprise, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Is that right" is a very common and grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to seek confirmation or validation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally considered appropriate for most contexts, though it leans towards the neutral to slightly informal register. The most frequent authoritative sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian, use it in News & Media, showing its widespread acceptability. When looking for alternatives, consider "is that correct" or "really?" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overusing "Is that right?" in strictly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is that correct?

Synonymous and interchangeable, differing only slightly in formality and emphasis.

Really?

This alternative is a shorter, more informal way to express surprise or seek confirmation.

Is that so?

This alternative expresses mild surprise or interest, while seeking confirmation.

Correct?

This option directly asks for confirmation of the information presented.

Am I understanding correctly?

This alternative focuses on clarifying one's comprehension of the situation.

You mean?

This option is used to prompt the speaker to elaborate or clarify their statement.

Are you saying?

This phrase seeks clarification on the speaker's intended message.

Did I hear you correctly?

This emphasizes the listener's potential mishearing or misunderstanding.

Are you sure?

This questions the certainty of a statement, implying doubt or disbelief.

Do you concur?

A more formal way of asking for agreement or confirmation.

FAQs

How can I use "Is that right" in a sentence?

You can use "Is that right" to confirm information, seek agreement, or express mild surprise. For example, "You said the deadline is tomorrow, is that right?"

What's a more formal alternative to "Is that right"?

For more formal situations, you can use alternatives such as "is that correct" or "am I understanding correctly?"

Is "Is that right" appropriate for written communication?

"Is that right" is more common in spoken language but can be used in informal written communication. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

How does "Is that right" differ from "Is that so"?

While both seek confirmation, "Is that right" generally seeks agreement, whereas "is that so" expresses more surprise or mild interest.