is not joking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not joking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify that someone is being serious or truthful about a statement or situation. Example: "When he said he was moving to another country, he really meant it; he is not joking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He is not joking.

Independent

Ms. Gorjanc, however, is not joking.

The New York Times

Cronenberg is not joking when he says that Consumed was half a century in the making.

The Guardian - Film

The speed of all this, and the whimsical touches, seems part of an elaborate joke, but Aronofsky is not joking.

The New Yorker

Hard though it may be to imagine Mr Romney waving a pitchfork or manning a barricade, Schumpeter is not joking.

The Economist

He is not joking Many tour pros list hunting and fishing under "special interests" in their PGA Tour media profiles.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He isn't joking.

Independent

Sometimes he isn't joking.

The New York Times - Arts

Sergio says no, he isn't joking.

The New York Times

But Callow isn't joking.

The Guardian

Citrin isn't joking.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the unexpected nature of a serious declaration, use "is not joking" to highlight the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "is not joking" after a statement that is clearly sarcastic, as it can create confusion rather than clarity. Sarcasm relies on the audience's ability to detect the speaker's true intent, so an explicit denial of joking undermines the effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not joking" functions as a declarative statement used to emphasize that a previous statement or action should be taken seriously and is not intended as humor. This clarifies the speaker's intent, removing any ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sports

8%

Books

8%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not joking" is a versatile expression used to unequivocally assert sincerity and prevent misinterpretations. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, but it's especially common in News & Media. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "is serious" or "means business" to convey the same level of earnestness. Ensure not to use "is not joking" in a sarcastic situation as this would be considered an error. This phrase is your go-to when clarity and seriousness are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is serious

Focuses on the state of being serious rather than explicitly denying a joke.

is not kidding

Uses a more informal term ("kidding") but maintains the same meaning of sincerity.

is being serious

Emphasizes the act of being serious at the moment.

means business

Indicates a firm intention and a lack of playful intent.

is in earnest

Highlights the sincerity and genuineness of the statement.

is sincere

Focuses on the genuineness and honesty behind the statement.

is not feigning

Suggests that the person is not pretending or faking.

is telling the truth

Shifts the focus to the truthfulness of the statement.

is genuine

Highlights the authenticity of the person's feelings or intentions.

is dead serious

Emphasizes the extreme seriousness of the situation or statement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not joking" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "is being serious", "is in earnest", or "is sincere" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "is not joking" and "is not kidding"?

"Is not joking" and "is not kidding" are largely interchangeable, but "is not kidding" is slightly more informal. Use "is not joking" in neutral to formal situations, and "is not kidding" in more casual settings.

When is it appropriate to use "is not joking" in writing?

Use "is not joking" when you want to explicitly clarify that a statement should be taken seriously and not as a jest. It's helpful when the statement's seriousness might be ambiguous.

What are some common synonyms for "is not joking"?

Synonyms include "is serious", "means business", and "is telling the truth". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.