that settled it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that settled it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a decision has been made or a conclusion has been reached, often after some discussion or deliberation. Example: "After much debate about the best course of action, she finally made her choice, and that settled it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

You triumphed, and for the moment, that settled it.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few months later, during one of his habitual runs, he lay down in a meadow and conceived a sort of abstract machine that settled it in an unexpected way.

The New Yorker

And in "The Manor: Three Centuries at a Slave Plantation on Long Island" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $28), the landscape historian Mac Griswold tells the long story of a surviving slaveholders' estate, hiding in plain sight on Shelter Island and occupied by the 11th generation of the family that settled it in 1651.

The New York Times

And it was always going to be a scrappy goal that settled it.

BBC

Both sides committed errors as the tension rose but Brough stayed cool to clip over a drop-goal that settled it.

BBC

The goal that settled it - Miller's first for the club - was crisply taken by the well-travelled striker, as he converted Josh Magennis's square ball with three minutes remaining.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

WELL, that settles it.

The New York Times - Arts

"Still," he says, as if that settles it.

The New Yorker

If Cameron wins re-election, that settles it for another five years.

Independent

He thinks that if he vouches incessantly for the "good heart" of a John Ashcroft, that settles it.

The New York Times

Paul's going DVD-drive-less too?! Well that settles it…" And so it did.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that settled it" to indicate a decision made after consideration or debate. It implies a sense of finality and agreement, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "that settled it" when a situation requires further action or is only temporarily resolved. It's best suited for scenarios where the decision truly concludes the matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that settled it" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the finality of a decision or the resolution of a debate. It signifies that the matter is concluded, and no further discussion is necessary. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that settled it" is a common and acceptable idiomatic expression used to convey the finality of a decision or the resolution of an issue. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. While the register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the context and scope of the decision when using this phrase. Alternatives like "that concluded the matter" or "that sealed the deal" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that concluded the matter

Emphasizes the formal closure of a discussion or issue.

that sealed the deal

Implies an agreement or transaction has been finalized.

that was the deciding factor

Highlights a specific element that led to a conclusion.

that resolved the issue

Focuses on the problem being solved or cleared up.

that put an end to it

Suggests a more forceful or abrupt conclusion.

that was the end of the story

Indicates a narrative or situation has reached its conclusion.

that made up my mind

Focuses on the internal decision-making process of an individual.

that closed the case

Refers to a matter being officially closed.

that was the last word

Suggests a final, non-negotiable statement.

that was the turning point

Highlights a moment where things decisively changed.

FAQs

How can I use "that settled it" in a sentence?

You can use "that settled it" to express a final decision or agreement. For example: "After considering all options, we chose the first proposal, and that settled it."

What does "that settled it" mean?

The phrase "that settled it" means that a decision has been made or an issue has been resolved, leaving no room for further discussion or changes.

What are some alternatives to "that settled it"?

Alternatives include "that concluded the matter", "that sealed the deal", or "that resolved the issue", depending on the specific context.

Is "that settled it" formal or informal?

"That settled it" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional contexts.