it's a deal

USAGE SUMMARY

"It's a deal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express agreement to a proposal or offer, and is often used as a way to come to an agreement or conclude a discussion. Example: "I'll do the dishes if you do the laundry." "It's a deal!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"For anyone who's interested," Ms. Olsen said, "it's a deal.

The New York Times

It's a deal for its novel looks, and, short of a Ford Focus wagon, it's a fairly logical purchase.

Forbes

"It's a deal".

The New Yorker

And it's a deal.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a deal," Gompers said.

The New Yorker

"It's a deal," said the man.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's a deal-killer for a lot of people," Mr. Swig said of the arrangement.

The New York Times

"It's a deal-breaker for a lot of families," Ms. Lloyd said.

The New York Times

For me, if values are completely opposite, it's a deal-breaker.

Huffington Post

"He told me, 'It's a deal,' " Mr. Vincenzoni recalled.

The New York Times

He looked me over from head to toe and said, 'It's a deal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's a deal", follow it up with action steps or confirming details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "it's a deal" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "I accept the terms" or "we have reached an agreement."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it's a deal" is as an interjectional phrase used to express agreement or acceptance. Ludwig shows that it often concludes a negotiation or discussion, signaling mutual understanding and consent to proceed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's a deal" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as a concise way to finalize a proposition, appearing frequently in news and media, and suitable for neutral communicative contexts. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly professional settings. Its effectiveness lies in its directness and clarity, signaling a mutual understanding and readiness to proceed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agreed

A single word that confirms acceptance; more concise.

you've got a deal

Emphasizes that the other party has secured an agreement.

I accept your offer

A more formal and explicit way to indicate agreement.

I'm in

Indicates willingness to participate in a proposed activity or agreement.

consider it done

Implies not only agreement but also a commitment to fulfill the terms.

that's a yes

A casual way of saying "yes" to an offer or proposal.

sounds good

A more informal and less committal expression of agreement.

we have an agreement

Highlights the formal establishment of a mutual understanding.

I concur

A formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing agreement.

right then, deal

A slightly old-fashioned way to close a negotiation.

FAQs

What does "it's a deal" mean?

"It's a deal" signifies agreement to a proposal or offer. It indicates that the parties involved have reached a mutual understanding and are ready to proceed based on the agreed-upon terms.

What can I say instead of "it's a deal"?

You can use alternatives like "agreed", "I accept your offer", or "consider it done" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it's a deal"?

"It's a deal" is appropriate in both casual and semi-formal settings when you want to quickly and clearly express your agreement to something. However, avoid it in highly formal or professional documentation.

Is "it's a deal" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it's a deal" is grammatically correct. The "it's" is a contraction of "it is", and the phrase functions as a simple declarative statement expressing agreement.