that is interesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is interesting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express curiosity or intrigue about a statement or topic that has been presented. Example: "I just learned about the history of the ancient civilization, and I must say, that is interesting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the game that is interesting".

The New York Times

"Hmm, that is interesting," Young noted.

The Washington Post

But it's what happened to another group that is interesting.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's what the old rogue DOES that is interesting.

The Guardian

Pen gwyn means white head.' 'Well that is interesting.

The Guardian - Travel

It's certainly a specific concentration, but one that is interesting, challenging, and exciting.

Columbia University

Ahmet said, "There is a certain sort of excess that is interesting, don't you think?

The New Yorker

This all raises a matter that is interesting to many of us who travel.

Independent

I'll read People magazine — something that is interesting but not wildly intellectually challenging.

The New York Times

"One of the things that is interesting is how quickly play can mutate," Dodds says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"One of the families that is interesting," she says, "is the Shah family, Manoj and Celia.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "that is interesting" to transition into a related point or question, maintaining the flow of the discussion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "that is interesting" without providing context or explaining why you find it interesting. Adding a brief explanation demonstrates genuine engagement and encourages further discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is interesting" primarily functions as an interjection or a comment expressing mild interest, surprise, or curiosity. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples confirms its role in acknowledging information and prompting further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is interesting" is a versatile phrase used to express mild interest, curiosity, or agreement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse sources, including news, wikis, and academia. While it's a neutral and acceptable phrase, remember to add context or elaboration to demonstrate genuine engagement and prevent overuse. Consider alternatives like ""that is fascinating"" or ""that is intriguing"" to add nuance to your expression. Avoid overusing it without explaining the reason behind your interest. With an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is a reliable choice for expressing mild curiosity and engaging in conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's fascinating

Changes the adjective to emphasize the captivating nature of the subject.

that's intriguing

Replaces "interesting" with a word highlighting the mysterious or puzzling quality.

that's noteworthy

Shifts the focus to the importance or significance of the subject.

that's remarkable

Emphasizes the exceptional or unusual nature of the subject.

that's compelling

Highlights the persuasive or attention-grabbing aspect of the subject.

that's thought-provoking

Focuses on the subject's ability to stimulate deeper thinking.

that's quite a discovery

Expresses surprise and appreciation for new information.

that's news to me

Indicates surprise or unfamiliarity with the information.

that's something to consider

Highlights the subject's importance for future reflection or action.

I find that compelling

Expresses personal interest and highlights the persuasive quality of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "that is interesting" in a sentence?

You can use "that is interesting" to express mild surprise, curiosity, or agreement with something someone has said. For example, "I didn't know that penguins are a Welsh word, well, "that is interesting"!"

What are some alternatives to saying "that is interesting"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "that is fascinating", "that is intriguing", or "that is noteworthy".

Is it correct to say "that's interesting" instead of "that is interesting"?

Yes, "that's interesting" is a common contraction of "that is interesting" and is perfectly acceptable in most informal contexts.

When should I use "that is interesting" versus "this is interesting"?

"That is interesting" typically refers to something someone else has said or a fact you've just learned. "This is interesting" usually refers to something you are currently experiencing or observing.