it is really that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is really that" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or incomplete.
It can be used in informal contexts to emphasize a point or clarify something, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "I thought the meeting was at 3 PM, but it is really that it starts at 4 PM."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is really that simple".

The New York Times

If it is really that annoying, shop somewhere else and stop being annoyed.

The New York Times

"I don't know if it is really that big a business here.

The New York Times

Or whether it is really that easy for an off-duty squaddie to get hold of her weapon?

Independent

It is really that fundamental to us," Mr Kelly says.Since then, some other companies have taken similar initiatives.

The Economist

Peruvian experts doubt it: strong it is, they agree, but they will wait until the predicted rains arrive to see if it is really that bad.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's really that simple.

The New York Times

"It's really that basic," he said.

The New York Times

"It's really that simple," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, it's really that crude".

The New York Times

It was really that serendipitous".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is really that" to emphasize a point that might be surprising or unexpected. However, consider whether a more direct phrasing would improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is really that" in highly formal contexts, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more concise and professional alternatives to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really that" functions primarily as an intensifier or emphasizer. It serves to highlight or underscore a particular aspect of a statement, suggesting that something is more significant or true than it might initially appear. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrasing can sometimes be improved for clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really that" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize a point and convey certainty. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests it's grammatically acceptable but not always the most elegant choice and can be rephrased for clarity. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While not incorrect, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise language for highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "it's truly that" or "it is indeed that" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's truly that

Replaces "really" with "truly" for emphasis.

It is indeed that

Substitutes "really" with "indeed" for a more formal tone.

It's actually that

Substitutes "really" with "actually" to indicate factual correctness.

It's simply that

Replaces "really" with "simply" to suggest ease or lack of complexity.

It's just that

Indicates a reason or explanation.

That's genuinely the case

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression indicating authenticity.

That's fundamentally it

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of something.

It's essentially that

Indicates the core or most important aspect of something.

That's the reality

Replaces the phrase indicating a statement is true or reflects the real situation.

That's precisely the situation

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal and specific affirmation.

FAQs

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

Consider using alternatives such as "it is indeed that", "that is genuinely the case", or "that is fundamentally it" to achieve a more formal and professional tone. These options often provide clarity and sophistication compared to the more conversational "it is really that".

Is "it is really that" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, the phrase "it is really that" can sometimes sound awkward or incomplete. While considered acceptable by Ludwig, it's generally better to aim for clearer and more concise phrasing for stronger communication.

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

Use "it is really that" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected point, or in informal conversations where you want to underscore the truth or simplicity of a statement. However, consider if clearer phrasings such as "it is actually that" or "it is simply that" may be better.

What are some alternatives to "it is really that" for emphasizing a point?

For alternatives, try using phrases like "it's truly that", "it's just that", or "that's precisely the situation". Each of these provides a similar emphasis but with slightly different nuances.