true that

USAGE SUMMARY

"true that" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal phrase for casual conversation.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

PETE: True, that is.

The New Yorker

How true that is".

The New York Times

If true, that is indeed tragic.

The Economist

If true, that is good news.

The New York Times

If true, that would be troubling.

The Economist

True that, as they say.

The Guardian - Sport

It is true, that is absolutely true.

The New Yorker

"And it's true, that will happen.

The Guardian - Tech

If true, that would be loathsome.

The New York Times - Sports

If true, that is awesome.

TechCrunch

We'll see how true that is.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional or academic writing, avoid using "true that". Opt for more formal alternatives like "that is correct" or "indeed" to maintain a polished tone.

Common error

While "true that" is acceptable in casual conversation, avoid its use in formal writing. Using it in essays or business reports can make your writing seem unprofessional or immature.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "true that" is as an interjection, expressing agreement or affirmation. It serves as a colloquial substitute for phrases like "that's true" or "I agree". As Ludwig AI points out, it is not considered a standard phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"True that" is an informal interjection used to express agreement. While common in casual speech, Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect for formal written English. Alternatives like "that's true" or "indeed" are more suitable for professional and academic contexts. Although it appears in reputable news sources, its usage there primarily reflects its presence in quoted speech or informal dialogue rather than endorsing it as standard English. This analysis underscores the importance of considering context and audience when choosing vocabulary, and that while "true that" serves a purpose in informal communication, it should be avoided in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's true

A more standard and versatile way to express agreement.

That's right

A straightforward way to confirm something is correct.

That's correct

Formally confirms the accuracy of information.

You're right

Acknowledges the correctness of someone's statement or opinion.

Exactly

Indicates precise agreement with a previous statement.

Indeed

A formal way to express agreement or acknowledgment.

Absolutely

Emphasizes strong agreement or affirmation.

I agree

Directly states agreement with a previous statement.

Precisely

A more formal version of "exactly", indicating accurate agreement.

I couldn't agree more

Expresses very strong agreement.

FAQs

What does "true that" mean?

"True that" is an informal expression used to show agreement with something someone has said. It's similar to saying "that's right" or "I agree".

Is it okay to use "true that" in formal writing?

No, "true that" is considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more formal alternatives like "that's true" or "indeed" instead.

What are some alternatives to "true that"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "that's right", "I agree", or "absolutely" as alternatives to "true that".

Where does the phrase "true that" come from?

The phrase "true that" is believed to have originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has gained popularity through its use in popular culture.