is that really the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is that really the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you are questioning the validity of a certain statement or argument. For example, "I heard that the company went bankrupt, is that really the case?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But is that really the case?

The New York Times - Books

But is that really the case when illness hits close to home?

The Guardian

Some have described the changes as the death of the cash Isa, but is that really the case?

The Guardian - Money

We're always hearing about how China is a threat to Japanese national security, but is that really the case?

The Guardian

It has been hailed a game changer in the genre but is that really the case?

BBC

The image of such folk is that they value autonomy and mobility above all else, and especially over local attachments, but is that really the case?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Was that really the case?

The New Yorker

But was that really the case?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Was that really the case!? No. Couldn't be.

Huffington Post

But is that really shoring up to be the case?

Forbes

Now I'm not sure that is really the case – a very mixed message!

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that really the case" to challenge assumptions or commonly held beliefs in a polite but direct manner. It prompts further examination of the topic at hand.

Common error

While useful, avoid relying too heavily on "is that really the case". Vary your questioning techniques to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that really the case" functions as an interrogative phrase used to challenge or question a preceding statement. It serves to express doubt or seek further clarification, prompting a deeper examination of the validity of the information presented. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is that really the case" is a grammatically sound interrogative expression used to question the validity or truthfulness of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly common, it finds its primary usage in news and media contexts to prompt further analysis and critical thinking. When using this phrase, consider its purpose of expressing doubt and choose alternative phrasings, such as "is that actually true", to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that actually true

Replaces "really the case" with "actually true", focusing on the truthfulness of the statement.

is that truly so

Substitutes "really the case" with "truly so", adding a touch of formality.

can that be right

Shifts the focus to the correctness of the information being presented.

is that a fact

Emphasizes the factual basis of the statement, expressing mild skepticism.

is that necessarily true

Questions whether the statement must be true, implying it might not be.

is that definitely the situation

Replaces "really the case" with "definitely the situation", questioning the certainty of a state of affairs.

could that possibly be correct

Adds a layer of doubt about the possibility of the statement being correct.

are you sure that's the situation

Directly questions the speaker's certainty about the situation.

is that the reality

Focuses on whether the statement reflects the true reality.

is there any truth to that

Expresses doubt about the presence of any truth in the statement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is that really the case" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "is that indeed the case" or "is that necessarily true". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated approach to questioning a statement's validity.

What's a more direct way to ask "is that really the case"?

If you want to be more direct, you could ask "is that true?" or "are you sure?" However, be mindful of the context, as these options can sometimes come across as confrontational.

How to use "is that really the case" in a sentence?

You can use "is that really the case" to express doubt or ask for clarification. For example, "They claim the new policy will improve efficiency, but "is that really the case"?"

What are some alternatives to "is that really the case" that imply skepticism?

Alternatives like "is that actually true" or "is that truly so" can imply skepticism. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.