that's all right

USAGE SUMMARY

"that's all right" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express understanding, acceptance, or agreement. For example, you could write, "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to come to your party. That's all right, I understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For Mr. Turner's sensibility, that's all right.

The New York Times - Arts

That's all, right?

The New York Times - Tech

But that's all right.

The New York Times - Sports

Me: "That's all right".

The New York Times

"Yeah, that's all right.

The New Yorker

That's all right then.

Independent

Maybe that's all right.

The New York Times - Arts

So that's all right.

Independent

"No, that's all right.

The New Yorker

That's All Right Mama?

The Guardian - Music

"That's all right, ma'am.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's all right" to offer reassurance or to indicate acceptance of an apology or explanation. It conveys a sense of understanding and ease.

Common error

Avoid using "that's all right" in highly formal or critical contexts where a more professional or precise response is necessary. In such situations, opt for phrases like "I understand the situation" or "The matter is resolved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's all right" primarily functions as an interjection or response indicating acceptance, reassurance, or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where it's used to acknowledge apologies or downplay minor issues. It's a common way to express understanding and ease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that's all right" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys acceptance, agreement, or reassurance. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. Grammatically correct and commonly used, its meaning is clear. While highly adaptable, it's important to consider the context; using more formal alternatives may be warranted in certain professional or critical situations. When you're looking for similar phrases, "it's okay", "no problem", and "don't worry" can often be suitable replacements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's okay

Offers a simple expression of acceptance or agreement.

it's alright

A more informal variation of "that's all right" but shares the same meaning.

no problem

Indicates that something is not an issue or inconvenience.

it's not a problem

More emphatic way to say something is not an issue.

it's fine

Signals general agreement or acceptance, often in response to an apology or concern.

don't worry

Reassures someone that there is no need to be concerned.

it doesn't matter

Expresses that something is not important or significant.

never mind

Suggests that something should be disregarded or forgotten.

that's acceptable

Implies a formal or considered agreement, often used in professional contexts.

I understand

Shows empathy and acceptance of a situation or someone's feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "that's all right" to express acceptance or forgiveness, such as in response to an apology: "I'm sorry I'm late." "That's all right." Or to acknowledge a minor inconvenience: "I accidentally deleted your file." "That's all right, I had a backup."

What does "that's all right" mean?

"That's all right" is an expression used to indicate that something is acceptable, forgiven, or not a problem. It is often used as a polite response to an apology or a statement of regret.

What are some alternatives to saying "that's all right"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it's okay", "no problem", "don't worry", or "it doesn't matter".

Is "that's all right" formal or informal?

"That's all right" is generally considered to be informal. While it's acceptable in most everyday conversations, it might not be appropriate in highly formal or professional settings. Consider using more formal alternatives in those situations.