is it really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it really" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to question or confirm the truth or validity of something. Here is an example sentence: "Is it really necessary to attend all of the meetings?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Which is it, really?

University of California, Berkeley

And where is it really?

The New Yorker

Nor is it really news.

The Economist

How good is it really?

The Economist

But is it really unsolvable?

The New York Times

Which one is it really?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Was it really secure?

The Economist

Or was it really?

The New York Times - Sports

Was it really him?

The New Yorker

Was it really cancer?

The New Yorker

But was it really?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "is it really" into questions to challenge assumptions or explore deeper meanings.

Common error

While versatile, overusing "is it really" can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. Try alternatives such as "is this truly the case?" or "does this genuinely reflect the situation?" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it really" primarily functions as an interrogative expression. It is used to form a question that challenges or seeks confirmation regarding the truth, validity, or extent of a statement or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is it really" serves as a common interrogative expression used to question the truth, validity, or extent of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. It frequently appears in News & Media and Academic sources, signaling its widespread use in questioning assumptions and seeking deeper understanding. While seemingly simple, its overuse can diminish formality. By using related phrases and considering context, you can effectively utilize "is it really" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it actually

Emphasizes a sense of surprise or disbelief, questioning if something is truly the case.

is it genuinely

Focuses on the realness or authenticity of something.

is it truly

Highlights the honesty or sincerity of a statement or situation.

is it indeed

Adds a touch of formality and confirmation-seeking to the question.

is it seriously

Conveys a sense of disbelief or concern regarding the matter at hand.

is it honestly

Requests a truthful and sincere answer.

can it be true

Expresses doubt or skepticism about something heard or seen.

could it be

Speculates whether something is possible or accurate.

is that the case

Checks if a specific situation or fact is accurate.

are you sure

Directly questions someone's certainty about a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "is it really" in a sentence?

You can use "is it really" to question the truth or validity of a statement. For example, "Is it really necessary to work overtime every day?"

What phrases are similar to "is it really"?

Similar phrases include "is it actually", "is it genuinely", or "is it indeed", all used to express doubt or seek confirmation.

When is it appropriate to use "is it really"?

"Is it really" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express skepticism, seek clarification, or challenge an assumption. It fits well in both informal and some formal conversations.

Which is correct, "is it really" or "really is it"?

"Is it really" is the correct phrasing for forming a question. "Really is it" is grammatically incorrect and not typically used.