does that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to ask for confirmation or clarification about something previously mentioned. Example: "I think we should proceed with the plan. Does that sound good to everyone?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Does that surprise me?

The New York Times

Does that sound dull?

The New Yorker

How does that compute?

The New York Times

And does that work?

The New York Times

Does that disgust you?

The New York Times

Does that describe you?

The New York Times

When does that change?

Forbes

The truth does that".

The New Yorker

Does that bother Lamarr?

The New York Times - Sports

Who does that benefit?

The Economist

Sarah just does that".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does that" to ensure understanding and agreement in conversations or written communication. It's a versatile way to seek confirmation or check if something is clear to the other party.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "Does that" in formal writing; instead, vary your sentence structure to sound more sophisticated. For instance, instead of "Does that seem correct?", consider "Is this assessment accurate?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does that" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, used to seek confirmation, clarification, or agreement. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in various conversational contexts, inviting a response from the listener or reader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does that" is a common and versatile interrogative phrase used to seek confirmation, clarification, or agreement. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, though it may be less suitable for formal writing. When seeking confirmation in formal settings, consider using alternative phrases such as "is that correct?" or "is that accurate?". By understanding the nuances of "does that", you can communicate more effectively in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that right

Replaces "does that" with a more direct question seeking confirmation of accuracy.

is that correct

Similar to "is that right", focusing on the correctness of a statement.

is that so

Expresses mild surprise or disbelief, while still seeking confirmation.

is that the case

A more formal way of asking if something is true or the current situation.

am I right in thinking

Seeks confirmation of an understanding or interpretation.

does this imply

Shifts the focus to the implied meaning or consequence of a statement.

does this mean

Directly asks about the significance or consequence of something.

are you saying

Clarifies whether someone is making a particular claim or suggestion.

to clarify

Introduces a request for clarification or confirmation of understanding.

are we in agreement

Seeks consensus or confirmation of shared understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "does that" in a sentence?

Use "does that" to ask for confirmation or clarification. For example, "We'll finalize the plan tomorrow. "Does that work" for you?"

What's a more formal alternative to "does that"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is that correct" or "is that accurate" instead of "does that".

Is it okay to use "does that" in professional emails?

Yes, "does that" is acceptable in professional emails, especially when seeking quick confirmation. However, consider the formality of your relationship with the recipient. A more formal phrase might be preferable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "does that" and "is that"?

"Does that" usually refers to a specific action or statement, while "is that" is more general. For example, "We're meeting at 2 PM. "Does that work" for you?" versus "Is that right?" when confirming information.