is that all

USAGE SUMMARY

"Is that all?" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking if something is finished or wanting to know if someone has finished telling you something. For example, "You made all of these plans for the weekend? Is that all?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

What is that "all"?

The Guardian - Books

Nor is that all.

The Economist

Oh, is that all?

The New York Times - Tech

"What is that all about?

The Guardian

"And is that all?" asked Grandmother.

The New Yorker

So is that all they talk about?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Nor was that all.

The New York Times

Was that column all right?

Los Angeles Times

And that is all that matters.

The New York Times

Was that all there was?

The New York Times

Was that all it was?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that all" to express surprise, disbelief, or a desire for more information. It's suitable for both casual conversations and more formal settings where a degree of incredulity is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "is that all" when you simply need confirmation without implying surprise or dissatisfaction. In such cases, a more neutral question like "is that everything" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that all" functions as an interrogative expression, typically used to seek confirmation about the completion of an action, narrative, or list. It often implies a degree of surprise, skepticism, or the expectation of further information. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is that all" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an interrogative expression. It is typically used to confirm the completion of something while also conveying surprise, skepticism, or the expectation of additional information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and accepted. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "is that all", be mindful of the implied connotation and consider alternatives like "is that everything" or "is that it" for more neutral inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that it

A shorter, more casual way to ask if something is finished or complete.

is that everything

Focuses on whether all items or aspects have been accounted for.

is that all there is

Expresses disappointment or a sense of incompleteness.

nothing else

A concise way of confirming that nothing further is expected or required.

is that the extent of it

Highlights the limited scope or degree of something.

is that the end

Focuses specifically on the conclusion or termination of something.

is there nothing more

Implies a desire or expectation for additional information or actions.

surely there's more

Expresses skepticism that the current information is complete or sufficient.

is that the whole story

Questions if the provided account is complete or if details are missing.

is there anything else

Asks if there are additional items, tasks, or information to consider.

FAQs

What does "is that all" mean?

The phrase "is that all" is used to ask if something is finished or complete, often implying a sense of surprise, disbelief, or expectation of more.

When is it appropriate to use "is that all"?

It's appropriate when you want to confirm that something is finished, while also expressing mild surprise or a desire for additional information. It can also be used rhetorically to express disbelief.

What can I say instead of "is that all"?

You can use alternatives like "is that everything", "is that it", or "is that all there is" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is that all" and "is that it"?

While both phrases inquire if something is complete, "is that all" often carries a stronger connotation of surprise or disbelief, while "is that it" is generally more neutral.