Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
that settles that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "that settles that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express when a decision has been reached, either through agreement or by ruling, and is final. For example: "We can’t agree on who should take the lead on this project, so let's have our boss decide - that settles that!".
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
That settles that.
News & Media
That settles that, then.
News & Media
So that settles that, then.
News & Media
He won, so that settles that!
News & Media
But assumptions aren't good enough for mathematicians, who prefer proofs, and have long been looking for a proof that settles that NP problems will never yield to a fast solution.
News & Media
So that settles that.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
That settled that — even the Angels' manager would not support Trout's cause.
News & Media
That settled that, and we went on to the Breughel room.
News & Media
"We've never had a TV life, we don't feel that way, that settled, that comfortable.
News & Media
The cameras are lined up in a circular array, along with the flash, leap frogging that new Huawei handset that settled at a mere three. .
News & Media
If you put in the effort, the grade will reflect that". So that settles the question am I a harsh grader or not.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "that settles that" to clearly and concisely signal the end of a debate or decision-making process. It's most effective when you want to convey finality without further discussion.
Common error
Avoid using "that settles that" prematurely in discussions where further input or negotiation is expected. Overusing it can shut down constructive dialogue and appear dismissive.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "that settles that" functions as a declarative expression indicating the conclusion of a discussion, debate, or decision-making process. It asserts that a matter has been resolved definitively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammatical rules and is commonly used.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Encyclopedias
5%
Less common in
Academia
3%
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "that settles that" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the finality of a decision or resolution. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, albeit leaning towards informal or neutral communication. While frequently found in news and media, it is less common in formal academic discourse. Alternatives such as "the matter is concluded" or "the issue is resolved" may be more appropriate for professional or formal settings. The phrase's primary function is to signal closure and prevent further discussion, and its effectiveness lies in its concise and clear conveyance of finality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that concludes the matter
Replaces "settles" with "concludes" and "that" with "the matter", emphasizing the end of a discussion or issue.
that resolves the issue
Substitutes "settles" with "resolves" and "that" with "the issue", highlighting the resolution of a problem.
that's the final word
Uses a more emphatic tone to indicate that no further discussion or changes are possible.
it's decided then
Emphasizes the decision-making process and finality, with a slightly less formal tone.
the decision is final
States the finality of the decision explicitly, often used in more formal contexts.
that's the end of that
Indicates the termination of a specific action or state, suggesting no more action will be taken.
so be it
Expresses acceptance of a decision, even if not entirely desirable, implying finality.
case closed
Adopts an informal, often humorous, tone to signal the end of a discussion or investigation.
we have a decision
Highlights the fact that a decision has been reached, acting as a summary.
let's move on
Suggests a transition to the next topic or task, implying the current issue is resolved.
FAQs
How can I use "that settles that" in a sentence?
You can use "that settles that" to indicate the end of a discussion or a final decision. For example, "We've reviewed all the proposals, so "that settles that", we're going with option A".
What's a more formal way to say "that settles that"?
In a formal context, you could use phrases like "the matter is concluded", "the decision is final", or "the issue is resolved" instead of "that settles that".
What can I say instead of "that settles that" to sound less assertive?
To sound less assertive, you can say "it seems we have a decision", "I believe that concludes our discussion", or "let's move forward with that".
Is "that settles that" appropriate for professional communication?
While "that settles that" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suited for informal communication. In professional settings, consider using more formal alternatives to maintain a respectful and collaborative tone.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested