that's a relief

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written and spoken English.
It's used to express that you are happy because a difficult situation has come to an end. For example, "I was so worried about missing my flight, but the airline said they could hold it for me—that's a relief!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Homer: "Well that's a relief".

The Guardian

He comments cheerfully that "England is not a hysterical country" (that's a relief) and, writing in 2000, that the British taxpayer has "long subsidised Broadway".

Independent

But in a category marked out by exuberant classmates which look more like origami disasters than cars (Nissan Juke anyone?), that's a relief.

The Guardian - Tech

"The good news is that it looks like probably all the horses will be in the handicap and that's a relief," Phil Smith, the British Horseracing Authority's senior handi­capper, said yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a relief for Madden, the game's namesake.

Los Angeles Times

I expect that's a relief to Sir Malcolm Rifkind, the former foreign secretary who now chairs parliament's intelligence and security committee, where he ramps up public fears about terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes that's a relief.

The New York Times - Books

Well, that's a relief.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's a relief.

The New York Times

"So that's a relief".

The New Yorker

"That's a relief," I said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, “"that's a relief"” can effectively show a character's reaction to good news or the avoidance of a negative outcome.

Common error

Avoid using “"that's a relief"” sarcastically unless the context is very clear. Sarcasm can be easily missed in written communication and could confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “"that's a relief"” functions as an interjection or expression of relief. It is typically used to convey a sense of comfort or reassurance following the resolution of a worrisome situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and correct expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “"that's a relief"” is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey comfort and reassurance after a period of worry or stress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and correctly used in both spoken and written English. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, maintaining a generally neutral register. While versatile, writers should avoid using it sarcastically unless the intent is clear. Alternative phrases include "that's reassuring" and "that's a load off my shoulders", providing options for different levels of formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's reassuring

Emphasizes the comforting aspect of the information received.

That puts my mind at ease

Similar to "that eases my mind", but with a slightly different emphasis.

That eases my mind

Focuses on the calming effect the news has on one's mental state.

That's a weight off my mind

Emphasizes the reduction of mental stress.

That's a load off my shoulders

Highlights the removal of a burden or worry.

What a comfort

Highlights how good is to be in a safe place or to receive good news.

Thank goodness for that

Expresses gratitude for the positive outcome.

I'm glad to hear that

Expresses pleasure at receiving the information.

Good to know

A concise expression of satisfaction with the information.

I feel better now

Focuses on the speaker's improved emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "that's a relief" in a sentence?

Use "that's a relief" to express comfort or reassurance when a worry or negative expectation is dispelled. For example, "I thought I lost my wallet, but I found it in my other pocket—that's a relief!"

What are some alternatives to saying "that's a relief"?

You can use alternatives like "that's reassuring", "that's a load off my shoulders", or "I'm glad to hear that" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is it appropriate to use "that's a relief" in formal writing?

While "that's a relief" is generally suitable for most contexts, consider using a more formal alternative in highly professional settings. Options include "I am reassured by this news" or "This is a welcome development."

Can "that's a relief" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "that's a relief" can be used sarcastically, but it's essential to ensure the tone is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Sarcastic usage implies the opposite of genuine relief, often highlighting disappointment or frustration.