does that sound right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does that sound right" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to confirm understanding or agreement with something that has been said or proposed. Example: "I believe we should move forward with the project timeline as discussed. Does that sound right?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

[Mr. McCartney has also since won Grammys for individual songs, and the "Band on the Run" album won a Grammy for its engineer, Geoff Emerick.] Does that sound right to you?

The New York Times

Does that sound right?

Forbes

Does that sound right, people?

The New York Times

Does that sound right to you?

The Guardian - Opinion

Does that sound right to you? Chances are it does.

The Guardian

Does that sound right?" It had dropped in the last hour, since she last checked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

" Does that sound about right or am I relying too heavily on American idioms?

Huffington Post

Did that sound right?

The New Yorker

Does that sound all right?

The New Yorker

Does that sound about right?

Huffington Post

Does that sound about right?" - Elena Viale, Magazine Editor.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does that sound right" in formal writing, consider if a more precise phrase like "is that accurate" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "does that sound right" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for phrases that convey a more professional tone, such as "is this information correct" or "is this interpretation accurate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does that sound right" functions as a question tag or a request for confirmation. It's used to seek agreement or validation of a statement or proposal. Ludwig's examples show it in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conversational validation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does that sound right" is a common and grammatically correct way to seek confirmation or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, primarily in news and media, with a neutral to informal register. For more formal communication, alternatives like "is that correct" or "is that accurate" may be more suitable. To avoid overuse, especially in formal contexts, consider varying your phrasing to maintain a professional tone. Remember, it is more about ensuring mutual understanding than testing actual hearing ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that correct

Focuses directly on the factual accuracy of a statement.

is that accurate

Similar to 'is that correct' but emphasizes precision.

does that seem right

Asks if something appears to be correct based on general impression.

can you confirm that

Requests verification of a specific detail or piece of information.

does that make sense

Checks for understanding rather than just agreement.

am I understanding you correctly

Confirms the speaker's interpretation of what someone else said.

are we on the same page

Verifies shared understanding and alignment.

is that your understanding

Checks if the other person has the same interpretation.

is that how you see it

Seeks to know if the other person shares the same perspective.

do you agree with that

Directly seeks agreement with a stated opinion or proposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "does that sound right" to confirm information, like in the sentence, "So we'll meet at 8 AM tomorrow, "does that sound right"?"

What are some alternatives to "does that sound right"?

Alternatives include "is that correct", "is that accurate", or "does that make sense", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "does that sound right" formal or informal?

"Does that sound right" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, you might prefer phrases like "is that correct" or "is that your understanding".

When should I use "does that sound right" versus "is that correct"?

Use "does that sound right" in casual conversations to gauge general agreement or understanding. Use "is that correct" in situations where you need precise verification of facts.