really so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express skepticism or to emphasize a statement that has been made, often in response to something surprising or hard to believe. Example: "I heard that he won the lottery. Is that really so?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't really so.

The New Yorker

Are matters really so dire?

The New York Times - Tech

Is despotism really so terrible?

The New Yorker

Is it really so important?

The Guardian - Opinion

But is that really so?

The New York Times

Really?" So began another missive.

The New York Times

But is this really so?

The New York Times

I'm really so sorry, guys.

Independent

Was it really so altruistic?

The New Yorker

But that's not really so.

The New York Times

"It's really so sad".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "really so" to emphasize a point, making it sound more convincing or noteworthy in casual conversations. For example, "It's "really so" important to double-check your work before submitting it."

Common error

Avoid using "really so" excessively in formal documents or academic papers. It might sound too casual or conversational. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives like "indeed" or "veritably".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really so" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement or question. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to express surprise, skepticism, or emphasis, similar to asking "is that true?".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really so" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express surprise, skepticism, or emphasis. While grammatically correct and commonly used in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it may be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Alternatives like "indeed so" or "truly so" are better suited for those situations. As such, understanding its register and intended purpose is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly so

Highlights the genuine or authentic quality, similar to "really so" but with an emphasis on genuineness.

genuinely so

Focuses on the sincerity or authenticity of a statement, akin to "really so" but emphasizing honesty.

actually so

Emphasizes the factual nature, similar to "really so" but with a focus on truthfulness.

certainly so

Expresses a firm belief or conviction, similar to "really so" but with a focus on certainty.

undeniably so

Indicates that something cannot be denied or disputed, akin to "really so" but with a focus on irrefutability.

unquestionably so

Asserts a statement without doubt, similar to "really so" but conveying certainty.

assuredly so

Conveys confidence or certainty in a statement, like "really so" but emphasizing assurance.

indeed so

A more formal way to express agreement or confirmation, like a stronger version of "really so".

emphatically so

Highlights the forcefulness or insistence of a statement, akin to "really so" but with emphasis.

veritably so

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "really so", indicating truth or reality.

FAQs

How can I use "really so" in a sentence to express doubt?

You can use "really so" to express doubt by framing it as a question. For example, "They claim the project is finished. Is that "really so"?" This implies you're questioning the validity of the statement.

What are some formal alternatives to "really so"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "indeed so", "truly so", or "veritably so" to maintain a more professional tone.

Is it correct to use "really so" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "really so" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal and precise language to convey your intended meaning.

How does the meaning of "really so" change based on intonation?

The meaning of "really so" can vary with intonation. A rising intonation turns it into a question expressing disbelief, while a falling intonation can indicate agreement or acceptance, albeit sometimes with a hint of surprise.