that's enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"that's enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when one wants to express that they have heard enough on a particular subject, or enough of something has been done. For example: "I understand you're upset, but that's enough - let's move on to the next topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Let's hope that's enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's enough".

The New York Times - Magazine

And that's enough.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Luckily, that's enough.

The New York Times

"That's enough!" he said.

The New Yorker

"I said that's enough".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

For Emily, that was enough.

The New Yorker

For Devine, that was enough.

The New Yorker

In Armenia, that is enough.

The New York Times

For Kino, that was enough.

The New Yorker

For me, that is enough".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's enough" to firmly but politely indicate a boundary or to end a discussion. It's suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "that's enough" in highly formal or professional settings where a more polite or diplomatic phrasing is required. Opt for alternatives like "I believe we've covered this topic sufficiently" or "Let's move on to the next item on the agenda".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's enough" functions primarily as an interjection or a declarative statement. It is used to express the speaker's limit or boundary, indicating that no more of something (e.g. discussion, action, behavior) is desired or tolerated. Ludwig confirms this common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's enough" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a limit or boundary. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, its suitability in formal settings depends on the context and tone. It is essential to consider alternatives like "enough is enough" or "I've had enough" for varied effects, but remember it can be considered rude. Understanding the phrase's communicative purpose and register is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enough is enough

This alternative emphasizes that a limit has been reached and further continuation is unacceptable.

I've had enough

This indicates personal saturation or intolerance, expressing a need for cessation.

that will do

This phrase suggests something is satisfactory and no more is required.

stop it

A direct command to halt an action or behavior.

cut it out

An informal way to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or disruptive.

cease and desist

A formal and legalistic way to demand that an action be stopped.

hold it right there

This phrase is used to immediately halt someone's actions, often implying suspicion or disapproval.

I can't take it anymore

Expresses a state of emotional exhaustion and a need for relief from a situation.

no more

A simple declaration that something is not to be continued or repeated.

give it a rest

Suggests someone should stop talking or doing something, often due to annoyance or boredom.

FAQs

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

You can use "that's enough" to express a limit or boundary. For example, "I understand you're upset, but "that's enough" – let's move on to the next topic".

What are some alternatives to saying "that's enough"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "enough is enough", "I've had enough", or "that will do".

When is it appropriate to use "that's enough"?

"That's enough" is appropriate when you need to firmly but politely set a boundary or end a discussion. It is suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

Is "that's enough" considered rude?

While "that's enough" can be direct, it is not inherently rude. Its perceived politeness depends on the tone of voice and context. In formal settings, consider using a more polite alternative.