is is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is is" is not correct in standard written English.
It may occur as a typographical error or in informal contexts, but it does not convey a coherent meaning. Example: "The only thing I can say is is that we need to improve our communication."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What is, is.

The New Yorker

What it is, is hot.

The New York Times - Arts

All that is, is well".

The New Yorker

WHO is is John Schwartz?

The New York Times

What there is, is passion.

The New York Times

Real life is, is — Kinetic?

The New Yorker

Because whatever is, is.

The New Yorker

Who is is targeting?

The Guardian - Business

Arriving is, is triumphant.

The Guardian

The question is, is it worth it?

Britannica

"The question is, is it legitimate?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you find yourself writing "is is", pause and consider what you're trying to emphasize. Choose a more precise word to convey your meaning.

Common error

Be cautious of overemphasizing through redundancy. Instead of writing "the problem is is complex", opt for a more concise statement, such as "the problem is complex" or "the problem is indeed complex". This will make your writing clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is is" typically functions as a grammatical error where a linking verb is unintentionally repeated. Ludwig AI highlights that it does not conform to standard English grammar, serving often as a redundancy. Examples show this repetition occurs across various contexts, but doesn't validate its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is is" is generally grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. While Ludwig provides several examples where the phrase appears, these instances are typically errors or informal usages. As Ludwig AI suggests, replacing the redundant phrase with alternatives like "is that" or restructuring the sentence will improve clarity and correctness. The expert rating reflects this, emphasizing the importance of avoiding this construction in favor of more precise and grammatically sound options. Therefore, it's best to proofread carefully and choose more appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that

Replaces the redundant phrase with a more grammatically correct linking verb construction.

is indeed

Adds emphasis while maintaining grammatical correctness, suitable for confirming a statement.

is actually

Introduces a clarification or surprising element to the statement.

is in fact

Emphasizes the truth or reality of a situation.

that is

Clarifies a previous statement, providing more detail or explanation.

it is

Begins a clause to emphasize a condition or state.

this is

Highlights the current situation or topic under discussion.

is certainly

Expresses confidence or assurance about something's state.

is truly

Emphasizes the genuine nature of something.

is definitely

Indicates a clear and unquestionable state.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "is is" in my writing?

The phrase "is is" is generally incorrect. You can often correct it by removing one of the "is" words or replacing it with a more appropriate linking verb, such as "is that" or "is indeed", depending on the intended meaning.

Is there any situation where "is is" would be grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "is is" does not follow standard English grammar rules. It's generally a mistake or an instance of informal, repetitive speech but, technically, it could be correct in some programming language.

What are some alternative phrases to use instead of "is is"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is actually", "in fact", or simply revise the sentence to eliminate the redundancy. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How does using "is is" affect the clarity of my writing?

Using "is is" can make your writing sound unprofessional and confusing. It introduces unnecessary redundancy, which distracts the reader and weakens your message. Clear and concise writing is always preferable.