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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

that isn't so

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But today that isn't so".

News & Media

The New York Times

One day in London, that isn't so bad".

Right now, they have made New York a place that isn't so nice to visit.

Combined, these spin an ill-fated illusion of a drug that isn't so threatening.

News & Media

The Guardian

"But when you are talking about a 20-ton vehicle, that isn't so much a concern".

News & Media

The New York Times

For me, as a business ethic, that isn't so very different from mining.

News & Media

The Guardian

The crux of my work is to create something that isn't so black-and-white".

A reaction that isn't so bland there's nothing to report – or in this case, to video.

And her chicken curry is served with roti jala, a thin, lacey pancake that isn't so common in restaurants anymore.

Why not do a dance that isn't so demanding, like my funny robot dance, or just funny prancing?

News & Media

The New Yorker

Experiencing the bush on foot provides a rare intimacy with nature that isn't so easily achieved on game drives.

News & Media

Independent
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that isn't so" to politely contradict a statement or correct a misunderstanding. It softens the disagreement compared to more direct alternatives.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid relying on "that isn't so" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and authoritative language to maintain credibility.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that isn't so" functions as a declarative statement expressing disagreement or contradiction. It's used to politely negate a previous assertion. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that isn't so" is a versatile phrase used to express disagreement or contradiction in a polite manner. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or highly professional contexts. The frequency of its appearance suggests it's a well-understood and widely accepted expression for gently correcting misconceptions or challenging statements.

FAQs

What does "that isn't so" mean?

The phrase "that isn't so" is a polite way of saying that something is not true or correct. It's a softer way to express disagreement.

When is it appropriate to use "that isn't so"?

It's suitable in many contexts where you want to disagree without being overly harsh, such as in conversations, informal writing, or when correcting someone gently.

What can I say instead of "that isn't so"?

You can use alternatives like "that's not true", "that's incorrect", or "that's not the case" depending on the situation.

Is "that isn't so" grammatically correct?

Yes, "that isn't so" is grammatically sound. It's a common and accepted way to express disagreement or correction in English.

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: