a friendly settlement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a friendly settlement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where parties are seeking to resolve a dispute amicably without resorting to litigation. Example: "After several discussions, the two companies reached a friendly settlement that satisfied both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The chances of a friendly settlement through diplomatic channels do not yet appear to be exhausted," said a War Office spokesman.

The New York Times

But the two sides reached a friendly settlement in the end.America's big banks began posting their earnings for the first quarter, starting with JPMorgan Chase.

The Economist

In contrast to the European and American procedures, however, concerned states are encouraged to reach a friendly settlement without formally involving the investigative or conciliatory mechanisms of the commission.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, although the two countries reached a friendly settlement in 2013 and Colombia announced the halt of the aerial spraying last May, Mena's model is not specific to the herbicide and may be applied to similar situations.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The bank said in a statement that the president's spokesman, Olaf Glaeseker, had said the president "welcomed the friendly settlement with the German Bundesbank".

The New York Times

The decision came after almost a month of ferment and anxiety after workers rejected what was originally characterized as a labor-friendly settlement to cut the state budget.

The New York Times

And right now, the arguments that officials are reportedly making for a quick, bank-friendly settlement of the mortgage-abuse scandal don't make sense.

The New York Times

Mourinho has always said he wants to coach the Portuguese national team one day, and chances are he'll live in this area - perhaps in the neighbouring Mata de Sesimbra, where there are plans to build a sustainable, eco-friendly settlement for 20,000 people, partly funded by the Word Wide Fund for Nature.

The Guardian - Travel

Nine of the remaining cases were found not to have violated human rights law, while two were "friendly settlements".

The Guardian

He said Mr. Rikon was frustrated by G. & S.'s ability to come to friendly settlements with all the landowners in the first half of the development zone, thus denying Mr. Rikon larger fees for representing those landowners.

The New York Times

Proposals for standards that the environmentally friendly settlements will be expected to meet also include ensuring that half of all journeys made by residents can be done so sustainably.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or business matters, using "a friendly settlement" indicates a preference for resolving disputes without animosity or prolonged litigation. It's a sign of professionalism and willingness to find common ground.

Common error

Don't assume that "a friendly settlement" means the outcome is necessarily favorable to all parties. It simply means the process was conducted with respect and an effort to minimize conflict, even if concessions were required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly settlement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., reached, agreed to). As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a specific type of resolution reached without animosity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friendly settlement" is a noun phrase denoting an amicable resolution to a dispute, often used in legal or business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it is found in reputable sources like the The New York Times and The Economist, indicating its acceptance in professional and news reporting. The key is to remember that "a friendly settlement" describes the manner of resolution—cooperative and respectful—rather than necessarily guaranteeing a favorable outcome for all parties. Consider alternatives such as "an amicable agreement" or "a cordial resolution" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an amicable agreement

Emphasizes mutual goodwill and a peaceful resolution.

a cordial resolution

Highlights the politeness and respectfulness in reaching an agreement.

a peaceful resolution

Focuses on the absence of conflict in the settlement.

an agreeable compromise

Suggests that both parties conceded to reach the outcome.

a mutually acceptable resolution

Underlines that the resolution is satisfactory for all parties involved.

a harmonious agreement

Stresses the balance and unity achieved through the settlement.

a cooperative understanding

Highlights the collaborative effort in arriving at the agreement.

a good-faith settlement

Emphasizes the honesty and sincerity behind the agreement.

a negotiated resolution

Highlights the back-and-forth discussions involved in reaching the outcome.

an out-of-court settlement

Specifies that the resolution was reached privately, without judicial intervention.

FAQs

How can I use "a friendly settlement" in a sentence?

You can use "a friendly settlement" to describe situations where parties resolve a dispute amicably, such as, "The companies reached "a friendly settlement" after months of negotiations".

What is the difference between "a friendly settlement" and "an amicable agreement"?

"A friendly settlement" often implies resolving a dispute or lawsuit, while "an amicable agreement" suggests a general agreement reached without conflict. Both terms denote a positive and cooperative resolution.

What can I say instead of "a friendly settlement"?

You can use alternatives like "an amicable resolution", "a cordial resolution", or "a peaceful resolution" depending on the specific context.

Is "a friendly settlement" always a positive outcome?

While ""a friendly settlement"" indicates a positive approach to resolving a dispute, the actual outcome might still require compromises from all parties involved. It emphasizes the manner of resolution more than the final terms.