isn't that something

USAGE SUMMARY

"isn't that something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It is often used as an exclamation to express surprise, admiration, or disbelief. Example: "Did you hear the news? John got promoted to manager!" "Wow, isn't that something? I always knew he had potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Well, isn't that something!

The New York Times

Wait, isn't that something that plenty of people do?

The New York Times

"My golly, isn't that something," he said.Still, his opinion of New York City had not changed.

The New Yorker

She was at Ben Crenshaw's house for dinner tonight, isn't that something?

The New York Times

Oh, isn't that something," Mr. Romney said, taking stock of the room.

The New York Times

It isn't that something would happen every time you went to a bar, but maybe one in 20.

The New York Times - Books

"And we always thought, 'Wow, isn't that something?' " He added, "He attracts a fair amount of attention because of the profiles of the people he's dealing with".

The New York Times - Sports

He is more of a "Gosh, isn't that something?" guy than an "I feel your pain" man in the tradition of Bill Clinton.

The New York Times

But if a composer whose own work appears regularly on Radio 3 does not listen, isn't that something of a problem?

The Guardian - Opinion

In his next vision, he sees himself in some sort of palace or cathedral, which Hannibal says is his "memory palace" (isn't that something that Sherlock already used?).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But whether you call it a "prank" or an "assault," it does not appear to have been a moment that any adult would be proud of and isn't that something worth talking about with a child?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "isn't that something" to express mild surprise or acknowledgment in response to new information or an unexpected situation. It adds a conversational tone to your writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid using "isn't that something" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more direct and professional language to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isn't that something" functions primarily as an exclamatory remark expressing surprise, mild interest, or acknowledgment. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in informal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isn't that something" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise, acknowledgement, or mild interest, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources, though its register is generally neutral, leaning toward informal. While its primary function is exclamatory, it also serves to engage listeners and prompt further discussion. For more formal contexts, alternative phrases like "that's quite remarkable" or "that's noteworthy" may be more appropriate. Therefore, when used correctly, "isn't that something" enhances casual conversations and informal writing, adding a touch of personality and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's really something

Emphasizes the 'something' with 'really,' conveying heightened interest or surprise.

that's quite a thing

Similar to "isn't that something", but with a slightly different idiomatic flavor.

now that's interesting

Highlights the interesting aspect, suggesting curiosity and engagement.

that's quite remarkable

Highlights the remarkable nature of a situation, placing more emphasis on the unusual aspect than simple acknowledgement.

would you look at that

Implies a sense of wonder or surprise at a particular observation or event.

how about that

Offers a more casual and rhetorical way to express mild surprise or acknowledgement.

that's noteworthy

Indicates something is worth paying attention to, emphasizing its importance.

that's a surprise

Directly states that something is surprising.

well, I'll be

An abbreviated form of "well, I'll be (something)," expressing surprise or disbelief.

that takes the cake

Expresses that something is particularly remarkable or outstanding, often in a negative or ironic way.

FAQs

How can I use "isn't that something" in a sentence?

Use "isn't that something" as a reaction to something you find surprising or noteworthy. For example, "She won the lottery, "isn't that something"?"

What are some alternatives to "isn't that something"?

Alternatives include "that's really something", "how about that", or "that's quite remarkable depending on the level of formality and intended emphasis".

Is "isn't that something" grammatically correct?

Yes, "isn't that something" is grammatically correct. It's a common expression used to convey surprise or acknowledgement.

When is it appropriate to use "isn't that something"?

It's appropriate to use "isn't that something" in casual conversation or informal writing to express surprise, acknowledgement, or mild interest. Avoid using it in formal contexts where more direct language is preferred.