That is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "That is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or specify something that has just been mentioned. Example: "The project deadline is next Friday. That is, we need to have everything completed by then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is sacrifice, that is service.

The Economist

"That is something that is missing.

The Guardian - Sport

Cornell fans, that is.

The New York Times

"That is something that is totally unique".

BBC

That is the bit that is missing.

Wikipedia

That is politics, and that is realism".

The New Yorker

That is all that is needed.

The New York Times

That is virtually gospel.

The New York Times

"That is just history.

The New York Times

That is our victory".

The New York Times

That is impressive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "That is" to introduce a clearer or more detailed explanation of a preceding statement. It enhances understanding and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "That is" in very simple sentences where the meaning is already clear. It can make your writing sound redundant and less concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "That is" functions as a clarifier or restatement. It introduces an explanation or a more precise version of something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used to add clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "That is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for clarification or restatement, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider "in other words" or "specifically". However, avoid overuse in simple sentences. As Ludwig AI confirms, "That is" is a correct and usable phrase for adding clarity in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In other words

This phrase explicitly signals a restatement or clarification of a previous statement.

That means

This phrase indicates a consequence or implication of a previous statement.

Which is to say

This phrase introduces a more precise or detailed explanation.

Specifically

This phrase narrows down a general statement to a particular instance.

Namely

This phrase introduces a list or enumeration of items.

To be precise

This phrase emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of a statement.

To put it differently

This phrase signals an alternative phrasing of the same idea.

In essence

This phrase conveys the core or fundamental meaning of a statement.

Put another way

This phrase introduces a rephrasing for better understanding.

What I mean is

This phrase clarifies the speaker's intention or meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "That is" in a sentence?

"That is" is typically used to clarify or restate a previous statement in different terms. For instance, "The deadline is crucial; "that is", we need to submit the report by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "That is"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in other words", "namely", or "specifically" to achieve a similar effect.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "That is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "That is", especially when you are elaborating on or clarifying a previous point. However, ensure it fits the context and doesn't sound awkward.

What is the difference between "That is" and "For example"?

"That is" is used to clarify or restate something, while "for example" introduces an illustration or instance of something. They serve different purposes in writing and should not be used interchangeably.