that should be it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that should be it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used at the end of a conversation or a list of items to signal that there is no more to be said or done. For example: "OK, I think I've made my point. That should be it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Once a team has used up its replacements, that should be it, other than the front row.

The Guardian - Sport

That should be it, people.

The New York Times - Food

That should be it.

The Guardian - Sport

Just substitute "scientist" for "cadet," and that should be it.

The New York Times - Science

"Not that should be it until something or someone else comes along".

The New York Times

I understand they ran very well for them but they didn't qualify for the final and that should be it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"If there's any subject that should be bipartisan, it's science," he said.

The New York Times

Because quality care is not something that should be a privilege, it should be a right.

The New York Times

And leaders that should be worrying about it are sleepwalking".

Los Angeles Times

This is a very important conclusion that should be highlighted, if it is true.

Diabetes Care

Or perhaps that should be how it went right.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that should be it" to clearly signal the conclusion of a list, instruction set, or discussion, ensuring the recipient understands no further action or information is needed from that particular point.

Common error

While "that should be it" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, consider using more formal alternatives like "that concludes the matter" or "that is all" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

That should be it primarily functions as a concluding remark, signaling the end of a discussion, list, or process. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates there is no more to be said or done. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts, marking the completion of an action or thought.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that should be it" is a grammatically sound and reasonably common phrase used to signal the end of a conversation, list, or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a clear way to indicate completion and prevent further discussion. While generally acceptable, its informality suggests it should be used sparingly in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "that concludes matters" in professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Sports contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that concludes matters

This alternative uses more formal language to express the end of something.

that wraps things up

This phrase is slightly more casual and emphasizes the completion of a task or discussion.

that's the end of the line

This alternative uses a more emphatic, idiomatic expression of finality.

that settles it

This phrase suggests that a decision has been made and is now final.

nothing more needs to be said

This alternative focuses on the lack of further discussion needed.

that's all there is to it

A more colloquial and direct way of saying that something is complete and straightforward.

that finishes the job

This alternative is action-oriented, implying the completion of a task or project.

the matter is closed

A formal expression indicating that an issue has been resolved.

that's the final word

This alternative emphasizes the decisiveness and unchangeable nature of a statement or decision.

we're done here

A more direct and potentially abrupt way of signaling the end of a conversation or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "that should be it" in a sentence?

You can use "that should be it" at the end of a set of instructions or a list of items to indicate that there is nothing else to add. For example, "Add the flour, eggs, and milk, and that should be it".

What's a more formal alternative to "that should be it"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "that concludes the matter", "that is all", or "that wraps things up" for a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "that should be it" in a business email?

While acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal. Depending on your relationship with the recipient, consider using a more formal closing statement such as "Please let me know if you require further assistance" or "That is all for now".

Can "that should be it" express uncertainty?

The phrase primarily conveys finality or completion. To express uncertainty, you might say "I believe that should be it" or add a question like "That should be it, right?"