Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
that isn't so
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"But today that isn't so".
News & Media
One day in London, that isn't so bad".
News & Media
Right now, they have made New York a place that isn't so nice to visit.
News & Media
Combined, these spin an ill-fated illusion of a drug that isn't so threatening.
News & Media
"But when you are talking about a 20-ton vehicle, that isn't so much a concern".
News & Media
For me, as a business ethic, that isn't so very different from mining.
News & Media
The crux of my work is to create something that isn't so black-and-white".
News & Media
A reaction that isn't so bland there's nothing to report – or in this case, to video.
News & Media
And her chicken curry is served with roti jala, a thin, lacey pancake that isn't so common in restaurants anymore.
News & Media
Why not do a dance that isn't so demanding, like my funny robot dance, or just funny prancing?
News & Media
Experiencing the bush on foot provides a rare intimacy with nature that isn't so easily achieved on game drives.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that's not the case
Replaces "isn't so" with a more direct statement about the situation.
that's not true
Offers a straightforward denial of a previous statement.
that's incorrect
Uses a more formal term to indicate an error or inaccuracy.
that's not right
Similar to 'that's not true' but can also imply a moral objection.
that's simply not the reality
Emphasizes that something is not aligned with actual facts.
it's not like that
Suggests that a situation is different from how it has been portrayed.
that's not how it is
Implies that something is not the way it is being described or understood.
that is not the situation
Replaces "isn't so" with a more formal and descriptive phrase.
the opposite is true
Highlights that the contrary of what was stated is correct.
that is a misunderstanding
Indicates that a statement is based on incorrect information or perception.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested