How to Use "That's About All", "That's It", "That's All", and "That's That" Correctly
These everyday phrases may sound similar, but each carries its own unique meaning and is used in different situations. Mastering that's about all/it, that's it, that's all, and that's that will make your spoken English sound far more natural and expressive. Let's break down each one with clear explanations and examples.
1. "That's About All" or "That's About It"
Meaning: There's no more to be said or done. This is pretty much everything; there's nothing much to add.
These expressions are used to say that you have finished telling somebody about something and there is nothing more to add — often heard at the end of meetings, presentations, or explanations.
John: That's about it. Would anyone like to add anything before we end the meeting?
Jane: No, that's about all for now.
Oliver: Anything else you'd like to include in your testimony?
Olivia: No, that's about it.
1) 'Anything else?' 'No, that's about it for now.'
2) Is there anything else to say, Tom? No, that's about all/it.
3) We discussed the matter – that's about it.
4) That's about it/all. I've said all I wanted to say.
2. "That's All"
This phrase has three main uses:
A) Nothing More Involved Than Stated
Used at the end of a sentence when you are explaining something and want to emphasise that nothing more happens or is the case.
I have no desire to find another job – I'm doing a job in a reputed company, that's all.
I wasn't interfering. I was just trying to make suggestions – that's all.
B) Something Is Finished / Completed / Enough
Used to say that something is all that is needed or wanted (to show the main purpose of the action).
I went there to visit friends and that's all.
I want to talk to you and that's all.
He wants to stay here and that's all.
She is my friend and that's all.
C) End of Speech / Nothing More to Say
That's all, everyone, thank you for listening. There are refreshments in the other room.
3. "That's It" (Most Versatile)
This expression carries several distinct meanings depending on the context:
A) Something Has Ended / Finished / Completed
Okay, that's it. You can go now.
Well, that's it, we're done – we can go home now.
OK, everybody, I think that's it. You can all go home.
That's it, everyone, thank you for listening.
B) Something Is All That Is Needed or Wanted
I came here just to visit the museum and that's it.
I went to the temple to find my brother and that's it.
C) Something Is Correct / "That's the Answer!"
John: I can't remember his name. Jane: I think it was Brian Johnson. John: Yes, that's it!
You switch the computer on at the back. That's it.
That's it! You are right. That's it! You got the right answer.
D) Expressing Anger / Refusing to Accept More
That's it! No more horseplay in the house!
That's it, I can't bear it anymore.
That's it! I'm not staying here to be insulted.
That's it! I can't listen to you two fighting anymore, I'm getting out of there.
That's it! I'm not listening to any more of your lies.
E) Expressing Agreement
'You got married, right?' – 'Yeah, that's it.'
4. "That's That" (Finality)
Meaning: Something is finished, finally decided, and there's no more to be done or discussed. It's the end of the matter — no further argument is accepted.
This expression carries a strong sense of finality and often implies that the speaker will not entertain further discussion.
1) Dad's not buying you a television set, and that's that.
2) It's no use arguing. She's made up her mind and that's that.
3) I won't agree to it and that's that. (= I won't discuss it any longer.)
4) You are going to your sister's recital and that's that! No more complaining.
5) That's that! I just sent the proofs to the printer.
6) Let's just say that's that and be done with it.
7) We're going out and that's that.
8) I can't do this and that's that.
9) You will apologise to him and that's that.
At a Glance: Quick Comparison
| That's about all / it | There's nothing much to add; I've finished what I had to say. (End of explanation) |
| That's all | Nothing more involved; that's everything; end of speech. |
| That's it | It's finished / correct / I've had enough / I agree. (Very versatile) |
| That's that | Final decision; no more discussion; the matter is settled. |
🧠 Important Notes
- That's it means whatever you said is all that it was.
- That's all means whatever you said is all and nothing more.
- Sometimes you can use that's that, that's it, or that's all interchangeably — but not always. Pay attention to the nuance!
- All these phrases are very common in everyday spoken English — master them to sound more natural.
English is a language just like your mother tongue. Listen, speak, read, write, and practise. Using these small but powerful phrases correctly will make a big difference in your spoken English fluency.
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