is that really true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that really true" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt or disbelief about something that has been said or presented as fact. Here is an example: "John claimed to have solved the math problem in under a minute, but is that really true? I find it hard to believe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Now, is that really true?

The New York Times

Calcium, potassium iron is that really true?

Cornell University

The government frequently states it has not got value for money, but is that really true?

The Guardian

The age of aristocracy, along with inherited wealth and privilege, are behind us; we are all meritocrats now.But is that really true?

The Economist

For one, the report assumes that the Federal Reserve hasn't been able to offset most of the economic pain from Congress's "fiscal drag". But is that really true?

The Washington Post

But is that really true? "We have to have an honest conversation about the institutional integrity being compromised by these games," Cooper said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Whether that's really true will be decided in court.

Vice

"When I was first told the story I was blown away by it - people ask 'is that really true?'.

BBC

But is that really your truest desire?

Science Magazine

But that's not really true," Taibbi said.

Huffington Post

That is what is really true.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is that really true", consider the context and your audience. In formal settings, slightly more nuanced phrasing might be preferable. In informal settings, it is perfectly acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "is that really true" repeatedly in close succession. Vary your phrasing to keep the conversation engaging and avoid sounding repetitive. Use alternatives such as "is there any truth to that" or "is that an accurate statement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that really true" functions primarily as an interrogative expression, used to challenge or question the veracity of a statement or claim. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct way to express doubt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is that really true" is a grammatically sound and commonly used interrogative phrase employed to question the truthfulness of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, indicating its frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While predominantly neutral in register, it might benefit from nuanced alternatives in more formal settings. As demonstrated through various examples, this phrase serves as an invitation for clarification or justification, prompting a deeper examination of asserted facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that indeed true

Replaces "really" with "indeed", offering a slightly more formal tone.

is that an accurate statement

Questions the accuracy of a given statement.

is there any truth to that

Questions the presence of any truth in a statement.

is that actually the case

Replaces "really true" with "actually the case", emphasizing the factual aspect.

is that a genuine fact

Emphasizes the authenticity of a supposed fact.

how credible is that claim

Questions the believability of a statement.

can that be considered factual

Shifts the focus to whether something can be regarded as fact.

is that verifiably correct

Focuses on whether something can be proven accurate.

are you being truthful

Directly questions the speaker's honesty.

should that be taken at face value

Questions whether something should be accepted without further examination.

FAQs

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

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "is that indeed the case", "is there substance to that claim", or "is that an accurate representation" instead of "is that really true".

What's a more direct alternative to asking "is that really true"?

For a more direct approach, consider asking "are you sure?", "can you verify that?", or simply "really?" with an inquisitive tone.

Is there a difference between "is that really true" and "is that actually true"?

The phrases "is that really true" and "is that actually true" are largely interchangeable. "Really" emphasizes the degree of truth, while "actually" questions the factuality of something. The difference is subtle.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "is that really true"?

Using "is that really true" might be inappropriate in situations where you need to show unwavering support or trust, or when questioning someone's statement could cause significant offense or damage relationships. In those cases, it may be better to assume good faith.