is that so

USAGE SUMMARY

"Is that so?" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express surprise or disbelief at something that you have been told. For example: "My boss has invited me to go to Paris on an all-expenses-paid trip!" "Is that so?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

How is that so?

The New York Times

Why is that so interesting?

The Economist

Why is that so?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Why is that so obvious, though?

The New York Times

But why is that so?

Harvard University

And why is that so?

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Was that so?

The New Yorker

Was that so bad?

The New Yorker

How's that so?

Forbes

Was that so hard?

HuffPost

But is that really so?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, especially in formal writing, follow "is that so" with a question that seeks further explanation or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "is that so" repeatedly in a conversation, as it can come across as insincere or sarcastic. Vary your responses to maintain a genuine tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that so" primarily functions as an interrogative response, expressing surprise, disbelief, or prompting further explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability as a question or reaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is that so" is a versatile interrogative response used to express surprise, mild skepticism, or a desire for further explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. While most commonly found in news and media, it's also used in academia and scientific discussions. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "really" or "you don't say". Using "is that so" appropriately can enhance your communication by adding nuance and encouraging deeper engagement with the speaker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really

This is a direct and common way to express surprise or ask for confirmation.

no kidding

Indicates surprise and slight disbelief.

you don't say

Expresses mild surprise, often with a hint of skepticism.

are you serious

Asks for confirmation of the truthfulness of a statement.

is that true

Directly inquires about the veracity of a statement.

indeed

A formal expression of acknowledgement, sometimes with surprise.

can that be

Expresses doubt or wonder about the possibility of something being true.

I find that hard to believe

Indicates strong disbelief in what has been said.

that's surprising

Indicates that information is unexpected.

how about that

Expresses surprise or mild interest.

FAQs

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

"Is that so" is typically used as a response to a statement to express surprise, disbelief, or to invite further explanation. For example: "I just won the lottery!" "Is that so? Tell me more!"

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

In more formal settings, you might use phrases like "indeed", "really?", or "are you serious?" to express similar sentiments with a slightly more elevated tone.

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

"Is that so" is appropriate in situations where you want to politely question or express surprise at a statement. It is versatile enough for casual and semi-formal conversations.

Is "is that so" the same as "really"?

While both express surprise, "is that so" can also imply mild skepticism or a request for more information, while "really" is generally a more direct expression of surprise.