that says it all

USAGE SUMMARY

"that says it all" is a perfectly valid phrase that is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has been said that can't be improved upon or that further words are unnecessary. For example, you could say "He was the best candidate for the job, that says it all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your character truly ranks equal with your scientific achievements that says it all and in full measure!

Princeton University

He was named player of the tournament, that says it all".

BBC

To me, that says it all. .

Huffington Post

"For me," said Roth, "that says it all".

Huffington Post

The three words that says it all are: Love.

HuffPost

(And coming from me, the world's most miserable dental patient, that says it all).

Huffington Post

"No End of Blame" — that says it all.

The New York Times

For the director, Lee Roy Reams, that says it all.

The New York Times

Time has a way of editing all images down to the one that says it all.

The Washington Post

She said: "If they're an unnamed source, that says it all.

The Guardian

"I was in my late 20's," she adds, as if that says it all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context is clear before using "that says it all" so that the intended meaning is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that says it all" as a substitute for detailed explanation in complex or nuanced arguments where further clarification is needed. Overusing it can make you sound dismissive or as if you're avoiding providing sufficient detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that says it all" functions as an idiomatic expression used to summarize a situation or argument, implying that no further explanation is needed. According to Ludwig AI, its effectiveness lies in its ability to convey a sense of completeness and finality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that says it all" is a versatile phrase used to succinctly conclude a point or argument, implying that no further explanation is necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it is generally neutral in register, it should be used thoughtfully in more formal settings to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives like "that speaks volumes" or "enough said" can offer similar impact. Remember to use it judiciously to enhance, not replace, clear and detailed communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that speaks volumes

Implies something is clearly communicated without the need for words.

that tells you everything

Highlights that all necessary information is conveyed.

that sums it up

Indicates a concise summary of a situation.

that explains everything

Suggests a clarification or understanding has been reached.

that's the long and short of it

Conveys a complete and concise explanation.

that's all there is to it

Signifies a complete and final statement.

that's the whole story

Emphasizes completeness of information.

it's self-explanatory

Highlights that something is easily understood without needing explanation.

enough said

Indicates that no further discussion is required.

the rest is history

Suggests that subsequent events are a natural consequence of what has been said.

FAQs

How can I use "that says it all" in a sentence?

You can use "that says it all" to emphasize that a statement or situation is self-explanatory and requires no further explanation. For example, "He won every game; "that says it all"."

What's a good alternative to "that says it all"?

Alternatives to "that says it all" include "that speaks volumes", "that tells you everything", or "enough said", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is "that says it all" most appropriate?

"That says it all" is suitable when you want to succinctly conclude a point, highlight an obvious conclusion, or emphasize that further explanation is unnecessary. For instance, after presenting compelling evidence, you might say, ""that says it all"."

Is it ever inappropriate to use "that says it all"?

Using "that says it all" can be inappropriate in situations where further clarification is needed or when discussing sensitive topics where a dismissive tone could be offensive. Avoid using it when addressing complex issues or when providing constructive feedback.