Word
is that so
Definition
fixed phrase. a polite way to show you are listening or to express mild surprise at what someone just said.
fixed phrase. a formulaic response used to acknowledge new information or express polite skepticism; it functions as a back-channeling device in conversation.
Examples
“"I've decided to move to Spain." "Is that so?"”
“The neighbor mentioned that the old house was finally sold, and I replied, "Is that so?" to keep the conversation going.”
“Upon hearing the witness's revised testimony, the barrister simply raised an eyebrow and inquired, "Is that so?" with a hint of irony.”
Examples
simple
“"I've decided to move to Spain." "Is that so?"”
contextual
“The neighbor mentioned that the old house was finally sold, and I replied, "Is that so?" to keep the conversation going.”
complex
“Upon hearing the witness's revised testimony, the barrister simply raised an eyebrow and inquired, "Is that so?" with a hint of irony.”
Usage
the meaning changes based on intonation: a rising tone shows genuine interest, while a falling tone can sound skeptical or bored.
Teaching tip
teach this alongside other active listening responses like 'Really?' or 'Indeed' to help students vary their conversational feedback.
Pitfall
Is it so?
Is that so?
the phrase is a fixed idiom using 'that' as the demonstrative pronoun; 'it' is not used in this specific social formula.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/is-that-so