this isn't the case

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not true and illustrate your point. For example: I thought that my car was the same color as my neighbor's, but it turns out this isn't the case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But this isn't the case.

The Economist

Alas, this isn't the case.

The New York Times - Magazine

This isn't the case everywhere.

The New York Times

This isn't the case with console gaming.

The New Yorker

But this isn't the case everywhere.

The Guardian

But this isn't the case with Morris.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Happily, this is not the case.

The New York Times

With Tendulkar this is not the case.

Independent

This is not the case for Russia.

The Economist

But alas, this is not the case.

Independent

I repeat this is not the case".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this isn't the case" to politely correct a misunderstanding or offer a contrasting perspective. It softens the disagreement by focusing on the situation rather than directly challenging the speaker.

Common error

While acceptable, "this isn't the case" can sound informal in highly formal or academic contexts. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "the evidence suggests otherwise" or "the data does not support this conclusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this isn't the case" functions as a disclaimer or negation. It serves to contradict a prior statement, assumption, or expectation. Ludwig provides examples where it clarifies misconceptions or corrects inaccurate information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this isn't the case" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that a previous statement or assumption is incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples from diverse sources, predominantly within News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional contexts. Remember to utilize it to gently correct misconceptions and introduce more accurate information, avoiding overuse in formal writing. Alternatives like "that's not true" or "that's incorrect" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's not true

A straightforward denial of a preceding statement.

that's incorrect

Directly states the inaccuracy of something.

that's not so

An informal way of disagreeing with a statement.

that's not right

Indicates something is factually wrong or inappropriate.

it's not like that

Suggests the situation is different from what was described.

that's not the reality

Highlights a discrepancy between perception and actual circumstances.

the opposite is true

Inverts the original statement, asserting the contrary.

it's not as simple as that

Indicates the matter is more complex than initially presented.

that's a misconception

Identifies a common but incorrect belief.

the reverse is true

Similar to 'the opposite is true', but can imply a more definitive reversal.

FAQs

What does "this isn't the case" mean?

The phrase "this isn't the case" means that something that was previously stated or assumed is not true, accurate, or applicable in a particular situation.

When is it appropriate to use "this isn't the case"?

It's appropriate to use "this isn't the case" when you want to politely disagree with a statement or correct a misconception. It's often used to introduce a contrasting point or provide a more accurate explanation.

What are some alternatives to saying "this isn't the case"?

Some alternatives include "that's not true", "that's incorrect", "it's not like that", or "the opposite is true" depending on the context.

Is "this isn't the case" formal or informal?

The phrase "this isn't the case" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, it might be better to use a more formal alternative like "the evidence suggests otherwise" in academic or professional writing.