is essentially that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is essentially that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to clarify or summarize a point, often introducing a definition or explanation. For example: "The main issue is essentially that we need more time to complete the project." Alternative expressions include "is fundamentally that," "is basically that," and "is primarily that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mahler's language is essentially that of martyrdom.

The Guardian - Music

What you'll hear from me is essentially that consensus point of view.

Yale University

The classification here is essentially that of J.S. Nelson (Fishes of the World, 4th edition, 2006).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The common literary heritage is essentially that originating in ancient Greece and Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"On the other hand, their approach is essentially that food is dangerous.

The New York Times

Chomsky's criticism is essentially that data-driven approaches will always suffer from a lack of data, and hence are doomed to failure.

Cornell University

We can encode any letter or punctuation mark in terms of numerical digits, so this would mean that pi is essentially that Library of Babel.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it was essentially: that's ridiculous!

The New York Times

WF: It's essentially that same picture throughout 2012 and 2013?

The Guardian - Sport

Their findings are essentially that taste doesn't diffuse the way you might expect.

TechCrunch

His complaint was essentially that he was being asked to appear onstage with other people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is essentially that" to introduce a concise summary or explanation of a complex topic, ensuring clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is essentially that" when a simpler phrase like "means that" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is essentially that" functions as a connector, introducing a clarification, simplification, or summary of a preceding idea or statement. It's a way to present the core or fundamental point. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across varied domains to convey the crux of an issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is essentially that" serves as a connector to introduce a simplified explanation. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically sound and appears across various contexts, from news to scientific writing. While common, overusing it can lead to verbosity. Alternatives like "is basically that" or "amounts to that" can offer variety. Its function is primarily to explain, and it maintains a neutral register. Considering the frequency and source authority, it's a reliable phrase for simplifying complex ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in essence that

Focuses on the inherent nature or quality.

is fundamentally that

Emphasizes the basic and crucial aspect of something.

is basically that

Indicates a simplified explanation of the core concept.

boils down to that

Implies reducing a complex issue to its most basic element.

amounts to that

Replaces "is essentially" with "amounts to", suggesting a final result or consequence.

is effectively that

Highlights the practical or functional result.

is in effect that

Suggests the practical consequence or outcome.

is at bottom that

Emphasizes the fundamental or underlying truth.

is at its heart that

Highlights the most important or emotional aspect of something.

is at the root that

Points out the underlying cause or origin.

FAQs

How can I use "is essentially that" in a sentence?

Use "is essentially that" to introduce a simplified explanation or summary of a more complex idea. For example, "The problem "is essentially that" we lack the resources."

What phrases are similar to "is essentially that"?

Similar phrases include "is basically that", "is fundamentally that", and "amounts to that". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

When should I use "is essentially that" instead of "means that"?

"Is essentially that" is best used when you want to convey the core or simplified version of something more complex. "Means that" is a more direct and general way of expressing the definition or implication of something.

What's the difference between "is essentially that" and "is primarily that"?

"Is essentially that" focuses on the fundamental nature, while "is primarily that" emphasizes the main or most important aspect. The choice depends on whether you want to simplify or highlight the primary focus.