is that really so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that really so" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express surprise or doubt about something that has been said or done. Example: Person A: "I heard that she quit her job." Person B: "Is that really so? I didn't think she would leave her position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But is that really so? Suppose we ask "Why is the sum of two and two four?" Isn't the answer "It couldn't be any other way" perfectly satisfactory?

SEP

But is that really so?

The New York Times

I wondered, is that really so bad?

MIT Technology Review

But is that really so bad?

The Guardian - Tech

And yes, fair enough, but is that really so terrible?

The Guardian - Film

But is that really so? Can our gut bacteria influence our social status and popularity?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Invariably, there was some squinting too -- is that really so-and-so?

The New York Times - Style

But was that really so different from the mind-set in the projects?

The Washington Post

Was that really so reprehensible?

Vice

So Blue Angels like to ogle cute girls in bikinis is that really so bad?

Vice

And is that so crazy, really?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that really so" when you want to express polite skepticism or genuine surprise, rather than direct disagreement. It softens the challenge.

Common error

While "is that really so" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more direct or sophisticated phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that really so" primarily functions as an interrogative expression used to question the veracity or surprising nature of a statement. Ludwig examples show how it softens direct disagreement, offering a polite way to express skepticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is that really so" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or doubt, functioning as a polite interrogative statement. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, as Ludwig AI shows. The phrase follows standard grammar rules and is considered correct for use in written English. When you want to express polite skepticism or genuine surprise rather than direct disagreement, this is an appropriate option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that truly the case

Replaces 'really' with 'truly' and 'so' with 'the case' offering a slightly more formal tone.

can that actually be true

Replaces "really so" with "actually be true", shifting the emphasis slightly towards disbelief.

is it genuinely like that

Uses 'genuinely like that' instead of 'really so', altering the tone to imply a search for authenticity.

do you really think so

Turns the question back on the speaker, challenging their perspective directly.

is that honestly the situation

Substitutes "really so" with "honestly the situation", emphasizing truthfulness.

could that possibly be right

Employs 'possibly be right' instead of 'really so', expressing greater skepticism.

is it in fact the truth

Replaces 'really so' with 'in fact the truth', directly questioning veracity.

are you serious about that

Expresses disbelief and directly challenges the speaker's sincerity.

is that a genuine claim

Focuses specifically on whether the statement is a valid assertion.

should I believe that

Frames the question as a personal decision whether to accept the information.

FAQs

How can I use "is that really so" in a sentence?

You can use "is that really so" to express doubt or surprise about a statement, like: "She said she's quitting her job. "Is that really so"?"

What's a more formal alternative to "is that really so"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "is that truly the case" or "can that actually be true", which convey similar doubt but in a more elevated manner.

Is there a difference between "is that so" and "is that really so"?

"Is that so" expresses mild surprise or interest. Adding "really" intensifies the surprise or expresses more significant doubt. Consider "is that so" as a more neutral reaction.

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

Use "is that really so" when you want to politely question the validity of a statement or express surprise, especially in informal or neutral settings. Avoid it in situations requiring direct confrontation or highly formal language.