is that actually true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that actually true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning the validity or accuracy of a statement or claim. Example: "I heard that the new policy will save us money, but is that actually true?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But is that actually true?

The New Yorker

But is that actually true and what are some of the real costs our country would pay for legalizing pot?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is often said that the New York art crowd are very well dressed, is that true? "It's true, actually, that in New York I find people extremely chic at the art fairs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's something that's actually true up into the middle class here in Las Vegas".

The Guardian

Both sides, he says, want to have this debate, he's skeptical that's actually true, but there you go.

Huffington Post

But about the only thing that's actually true in that previous sentence is the senator's name.

Science Magazine

But about the only thing that's actually true in that previous sentence is the senator's name," Jeffrey Mervis wrote last Friday.

Science Magazine

Whether that's actually true is unclear.

The Guardian

"That would be perfect," he said, "if that's actually true".He could not find out, however.

The Economist

(It's not clear whether that's actually true).

Science Magazine

And in part, that is actually true".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that actually true" when you want to express skepticism or doubt about a statement, especially when you need to challenge the information assertively but politely.

Common error

Avoid using "is that actually true" excessively in casual conversations. It can sound confrontational. Opt for softer alternatives like "really?" or "is that so?" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that actually true" functions as an interrogative expression used to question the veracity of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to express doubt or seek confirmation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is that actually true" is a grammatically correct interrogative expression used to question the validity of a statement. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a way to express skepticism or doubt, prompting the speaker to provide evidence. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as science and research, with a neutral register, making it suitable for various discussions. Alternatives like "is that really true" can be used to soften the tone, while phrases like "can that be substantiated" shift the focus to verifiability. Avoid overuse in informal settings to prevent sounding confrontational.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that really true

Replaces "actually" with "really", softening the tone slightly while maintaining the same core meaning.

is that in fact true

Substitutes "actually" with "in fact", providing a slightly more formal tone but retaining the same core question.

is that indeed the case

Replaces "true" with "the case" and "actually" with "indeed", offering a more formal and indirect way of questioning the statement.

can that be substantiated

Focuses on the need for evidence or proof to support the claim, shifting the emphasis from truth to verifiability.

is there any truth to that

Inverts the question to inquire about the existence of truth within the statement, implying doubt or skepticism.

is that a factual statement

Replaces "true" with "factual", emphasizing the objective accuracy of the claim rather than subjective belief.

does that hold up to scrutiny

Shifts the focus to the rigorous examination of the statement, questioning its ability to withstand close inspection.

is that a reliable claim

Focuses on the source and trustworthiness of the statement, questioning its reliability.

are you sure about that

A more direct and informal way of questioning someone's certainty about the statement, implying doubt.

where is the evidence for that

Directly demands proof or support for the claim, expressing strong skepticism.

FAQs

What does "is that actually true" mean?

The phrase "is that actually true" expresses doubt or skepticism about a statement, probing whether something presented as fact is indeed accurate or valid.

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

It's suitable when you want to politely challenge a claim, especially if you have reason to doubt its accuracy or if you need further verification. It can also be a way of inviting a more in-depth discussion.

What are some alternatives to "is that actually true"?

You can use alternatives like "is that really true", "is that indeed the case", or "is there any truth to that" depending on the level of formality and skepticism you want to convey.

How does "is that actually true" differ from "is that true"?

Adding "actually" to "is that true" intensifies the sense of doubt or surprise. It suggests that the speaker is particularly skeptical or finds the statement hard to believe compared to a simple "is that true".