it sounds that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it sounds that' is not grammatically correct and is not typically used in written English.
Instead, one should use phrases such as 'it seems that', 'it appears that', or 'it looks as if'. For example: "It looks as if I'm going to be late for my appointment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Bizarre as it sounds, that is correct.

The New York Times

"It sounds that way," Dr. Sulloway said.

The New York Times

It looks that way, it sounds that way.

Independent

It sounds that way because that's what it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlikely as it sounds, that was the pitch from JJB Sports.

The Guardian - Business

There is not much agreement, though, on why it sounds that way.

The New York Times - Tech

Sometimes, as drastic as it sounds, that means letting go of a toxic parent.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I think [it sounds that way] because I speak five languages and all the accents mix together".

Huffington Post

Local marine biologists analysed the whale and determined – as crazy as it sounds - that the tail was bitten off in one bite".

The Guardian

They are grouped together only in time and by the fact -- self-evident as it sounds -- that every victim was in the water when the attack took place.

The New York Times

Clark sported a black V-neck top underneath a beige blazer it was about as exciting as it sounds that revealed about three inches of cleavage.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the grammatically questionable phrase "it sounds that", opt for clearer and more accepted alternatives like "it seems that" or "it appears that" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that how something "sounds" is a definitive truth. Perceptions can be misleading, so ensure that you cross-reference auditory information with other evidence before drawing conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds that" attempts to function as an introductory clause, aiming to introduce a statement based on auditory perception. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounds that" is commonly found in various sources like News & Media, science, and encyclopedias. However, Ludwig AI points out that this phrase is grammatically incorrect. Better alternatives include "it seems that", "it appears that", or "it looks like". While "it sounds that" attempts to convey an impression based on auditory input, using the recommended alternatives will ensure grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing. While frequently found, grammatical errors undermine credibility in formal or professional content and should, therefore, be avoided in favor of correct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems that

This alternative conveys a similar sense of perception or impression but uses a more grammatically standard structure.

it appears that

This alternative suggests that something is evident based on available information, similar to how something "sounds".

it looks like

This phrase focuses on visual evidence but can be used metaphorically to express a general impression, like "it sounds".

it suggests that

This alternative implies that something indicates or hints at a particular conclusion or idea.

it indicates that

This phrase suggests that something serves as a sign or indication of something else, similar to an auditory impression.

one might infer that

This alternative expresses a more formal way of drawing a conclusion based on available evidence.

the impression is that

This phrase directly refers to the general feeling or understanding that one gets about something.

the indication is that

This suggests that certain signs or clues point towards a specific conclusion.

what one gathers is that

This phrase describes the process of collecting information and forming an understanding.

from what I hear

This alternative directly attributes the impression to auditory information received.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "it sounds that"?

Better alternatives to "it sounds that" include "it seems that", "it appears that", or "it looks like". These phrases are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Is "it sounds that" grammatically correct?

No, "it sounds that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Standard English usage prefers phrases like "it seems that" or "it sounds like".

How can I use "it seems that" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems that" to express an impression or perception. For example, "It seems that the project is nearing completion".

What is the difference between "it sounds that" and "it sounds like"?

"It sounds like" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a resemblance based on auditory information (e.g., "It sounds like rain"). "It sounds that" is not standard English.