if that's so

USAGE SUMMARY

"if that's so" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement or response that relies on the condition being true. For example: "I can't believe it, if that's so it would mean we've been wrong this entire time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"If that's so, what's the difference here?" he asked The difference, Mr. Coleman said, was that "our firefighters had already taken the test" and "had earned their promotions".

The New York Times

If that's so, Baghdadi's speeches and the purported recruitment drive in Hong Kong aren't helping the Uighur cause.

Vice

If that's so, and someone else's children will be marching on Baghdad, what patriot would not stand up and say "Let's roll"?

The New York Times

It's Morris's version, perhaps, of a Kenneth MacMillan pas de deux; and if that's so, Festival Dance may just be his take on Petipa.

The Guardian

And if that's so, voters may be more inclined to take refuge in Clinton's tough-mindedness than in Obama's multipronged Swiss Army knife.

The New York Times - Magazine

But if that's so, even if it's only that, here at the centennial of Steinbeck's birth, I'm sentimental for him now.

The New York Times

I don't know if that's so true.

The Guardian - Music

If that's so, were they, too, fast asleep?

The New Yorker

He says he doesn't know if that's so.

The New York Times - Books

If that's so, how much would such an expansion cost?

The New York Times

But if that's so, why haven't they deserted Senator Clinton?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing; consider more sophisticated alternatives like "if that is the case" or "assuming that is correct".

Common error

Don't use "if that's so" as a direct substitute for more specific conditional conjunctions when detailing complex cause-and-effect relationships. It is generally better suited to simpler, conversational contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if that's so" functions as a conditional marker, introducing a clause that expresses a consequence or result that depends on the truth of a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if that's so" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Its primary function is to introduce a statement contingent on the truth of a prior assertion. While it appears mainly in news and media, it is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "if that is the case" or "assuming that's true" provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that is the case

Replaces the contraction "that's" with the full form "that is", adding a slightly more formal tone.

if that's the situation

Substitutes "so" with "the situation", emphasizing the conditional aspect based on a specific set of circumstances.

assuming that's true

Highlights the assumption of truth as a condition for the subsequent statement.

granted that's correct

Emphasizes the acceptance of a fact as correct before proceeding with a related statement.

in that event

Uses a more formal and concise way to indicate a conditional consequence.

if this holds true

Focuses on the continued validity of a statement as the condition.

should that be accurate

Introduces a note of uncertainty while still presenting a conditional scenario.

given those circumstances

Shifts the focus to a specific set of circumstances as the condition.

if such is the reality

Presents a more philosophical or dramatic way to express a conditional based on reality.

supposing that to be right

Implies a consideration of correctness before drawing a conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "if that's so" in a sentence?

You can use "if that's so" to introduce a statement that depends on the truth of a previous statement. For example, "You said the meeting is cancelled? If that's so, I'll work from home today."

What are some alternatives to "if that's so"?

Alternatives include "if that is the case", "assuming that's true", or "in that event", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "if that is so" instead of "if that's so"?

Yes, "if that is so" is a more formal version of "if that's so". Both are grammatically correct, but "if that is so" may be preferred in formal writing.

What is the difference between "if that's so" and "if so"?

"If so" is a shorter, more concise version of "if that's so". Both phrases are used to introduce a conditional statement, but "if so" is often used when the preceding statement is clearly understood or has just been made.