is it that

USAGE SUMMARY

'is it that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking a question and you want to express that the thing you are asking about is the cause of some other thing or the reason for something. For example: "Is it that you don't understand what I'm saying, or are you just not listening?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is it THAT special?

Independent

"Where is it?" That mattered, right?

The New Yorker

"Who is it that makes such funnies?

The New York Times - Books

What is it that made us successful?

The New Yorker

But is it that important?

The Guardian

But what is it that is applied?

SEP

What is it that needs fixing?

BBC

What is it that puts them off?

BMC Medical Research Methodology

What is it that is so appealing?

WikiHow

What is it that spares her?

The New Yorker

What is it that they really want?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is it that" to introduce a question that seeks to identify the underlying cause or reason for a situation. It's often more effective than a direct question when you suspect a hidden or complex explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "is it that" in simple questions where a direct inquiry is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your language sound overly complex or indirect when simplicity would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is it that" is to introduce a question seeking explanation or cause. As noted by Ludwig AI, it frames inquiries to explore underlying reasons or motivations. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to prompt deeper understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it that" serves as a useful conjunction phrase to introduce questions that seek to uncover underlying causes or explanations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While commonly found in news, scientific, and general writing, it should be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary complexity. Consider alternatives like "could it be that" or "is it because" for nuanced expressions. Remember to use "is it that" when you suspect a deeper reason is at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could it be that

This alternative suggests a possibility or conjecture, similar to "is it that" but with less certainty.

might it be that

This alternative offers a more formal and tentative way of suggesting a reason or cause.

is it possible that

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of a particular reason or explanation.

can it be that

This alternative questions the validity or truth of a statement or situation.

is that why

This alternative directly inquires if the stated reason is the true cause.

is the reason that

This alternative is a more direct and less nuanced way of asking about the cause.

could the reason be

This alternative emphasizes uncertainty about the true reason.

is it because

This alternative is a more direct, less formal way to ask for a reason.

do you think that

This alternative solicits an opinion or belief regarding the reason.

what makes you think

This alternative challenges the basis for assuming a particular reason or cause.

FAQs

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

Use "is it that" to introduce a question that explores a deeper reason or explanation. For example, "Is it that you're not interested, or are you simply too busy?"

What phrases are similar to "is it that"?

Alternatives include "could it be that", "might it be that", or "is it because". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you're seeking a more profound or less obvious reason for something. It's particularly useful when you suspect there's more to the situation than what's immediately apparent.

Is "is it that" formal or informal?

The phrase "is it that" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more direct phrasing might be preferred in very formal situations.