it is not that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is not that" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "It is not that I don't care, I'm just preoccupied with other things right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is not that audacious.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not that simple.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

The New York Times

But it is not that expensive.

Independent

However, it is not that simple.

The New York Times

Well, it is not that new.

The Economist

But it is not that simple.

The Economist

It is not that small.

The Guardian

It is not that unusual.

The Guardian

Opponents say it is not that simple.

The New York Times

Sometimes it is not that simple.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not that" to introduce a clarification or correction, setting up a contrast with a previous statement or assumption. For example, "It is not that I disagree, but I have a different perspective."

Common error

Avoid using "it is not that" when a simple "no" or direct negation is sufficient. Using "it is not that" for simple negations makes the sentence unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not that" functions as a disclaimer or introductory phrase, used to preface a clarification, correction, or explanation. It signals that the speaker intends to refine or qualify a preceding statement or assumption, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not that" serves as a valuable tool for clarification and correction in writing and speech. It is grammatically correct, and as Ludwig AI confirms, suitable for use in written English. Its frequency and presence across diverse sources, including news media and scientific publications, underscore its versatility. While alternatives exist for specific contexts, understanding the unique function of introducing nuance and precision helps make the most of this phrase. Avoid overuse in place of simpler negations, to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's not the case

Replaces "it is not that" with a more direct statement of negation.

that isn't the situation

Uses "situation" instead of "that", emphasizing a state of affairs.

that's not quite right

Indicates a partial inaccuracy, rather than a complete falsehood.

that's not exactly true

Similar to "that's not quite right", but perhaps a bit stronger.

it's not as simple as that

Highlights the complexity of a situation, implying more than meets the eye.

it's more complicated than that

Emphasizes the intricacy and nuanced nature of the situation.

that's not the whole story

Suggests that there are missing details or perspectives.

there's more to it than that

Similar to "that's not the whole story", hinting at hidden aspects.

that's a misconception

Identifies a common but incorrect belief.

that's a misunderstanding

Points out an incorrect interpretation or perception.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not that" in a sentence?

Use "it is not that" to introduce a nuance or correction to a previous statement. For instance, "It is not that I don't want to go, but I have other commitments."

What can I say instead of "it is not that"?

You can use alternatives like "that's not the case", "that isn't the situation", or "that's not quite right" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is not that" or "it isn't that"?

Both "it is not that" and "it isn't that" are grammatically correct. "It isn't that" is a contraction and is more informal than "it is not that".

What's the difference between "it is not that" and "it's not as simple as that"?

"It is not that" introduces a clarification or correction, while "it's not as simple as that" emphasizes the complexity of a situation, implying there's more than meets the eye.