is that the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is that the case?" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask for clarification or confirmation about a certain situation. For example: "My boss said I got a raise. Is that the case?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But no longer is that the case.

The New York Times - Arts

But is that the case?

Harvard University

No way is that the case.

The Guardian - Sport

Why is that the case, first of all?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I have to ask myself why is that the case?

The Guardian

Why is that the case?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But is that really the case?

The New York Times - Books

Was that the case?

The New York Times

Was that the case here?

The New Yorker

But was that the case?

University of California, Berkeley

But why's that the case?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that the case" to politely question or confirm information, especially when you need clarification or suspect there might be a misunderstanding. For example, "I heard the project was canceled; is that the case?"

Common error

While "is that the case" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "really?" or "is that so?" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that the case" functions as an interrogative expression used to seek confirmation or clarification about a previously mentioned situation or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is that the case" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to inquire about the accuracy or validity of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. While versatile, remember that in informal settings, simpler alternatives like "really?" or "is that so?" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that accurate

Replaces "case" with a direct reference to accuracy, implying a need for factual confirmation.

is that correct

Similar to 'is that accurate', this emphasizes the correctness or validity of the information presented.

is that so

A shorter, more casual way to express surprise or doubt about a statement.

is that the situation

Substitutes "case" with "situation", highlighting the circumstances being discussed.

is this true

Shifts the focus to the truthfulness of a statement, rather than the specifics of a "case".

does that hold true

Asks whether something continues to be valid or applicable.

is that how it is

Inquires about the current state or arrangement of something.

can that be right

Expresses doubt or disbelief about the accuracy of a statement.

is that the reality

Replaces "case" with "reality", questioning the factual basis of a situation.

is that a fact

Questions whether something stated is indeed a verifiable piece of information.

FAQs

How can I use "is that the case" in a sentence?

Use "is that the case" to inquire whether a particular situation or statement is accurate or true. For example, "The contract hasn't been signed yet; "is that the case"?"

What's a more informal way to say "is that the case"?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "really?", "is that so?", or "is that right?" as simpler alternatives to "is that the case".

Is "is that the case" always appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "is that the case" is more suitable for formal or professional contexts. Consider the audience and setting when choosing this phrase.

Which is more formal: "is that the case" or "really?"

Is that the case is more formal, while "really?" is a casual expression used to show surprise or seek confirmation.