a settled matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a settled matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that has been resolved or agreed upon, indicating that no further discussion or debate is necessary. Example: "After much deliberation, the committee concluded that the budget allocation was a settled matter and would not be revisited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

QUESTION FROM JOHN HEITMAN: An issue in controversy is anything but a settled matter.

The New Yorker

The immutability of sexual orientation is hardly a settled matter — just ask Anne Heche.

The New Yorker

It was then reported that Corbyn's communications chief had amended the speech on the autocue moments before delivery, blurring the line on whether Trident is now a settled matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

To Collins, and to most researchers, the controversy over embryonic stem cells seemed a settled matter.

The New Yorker

The reality of climate change is a settled matter in the scientific community.

The Washington Post

It was a settled matter from the time Obama began running for office.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It is a generally settled matter of law that, outside a few narrow exceptions, a party subject to an arbitration agreement cannot challenge the arbitration process in court until all internal remedies have been extinguished.

Forbes

There are numerous lines of evidence that point to human causation even if it is not a completely settled matter.

The Guardian

One goal, a penalty from Zidane, settled matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Dagnall should have settled matters after a sublime, dinked pass from McGinn.

The Guardian - Sport

Luna settled matters with a rapier break as Arsenal were left completely exposed in search of an equaliser.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a settled matter" to clearly communicate that a topic is no longer open for discussion or alteration, avoiding ambiguity and promoting efficient communication. This is particularly useful in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a settled matter" if there's a possibility that some stakeholders are still unaware of the decision or its implications. Ensure everyone is on the same page before declaring something settled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a settled matter" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a predicate nominative or object complement. It signifies that a particular issue, topic, or decision has been resolved and is no longer open for debate or modification. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a settled matter" is a commonly used phrase to denote that an issue has been resolved and is no longer up for discussion. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. Related phrases include "a resolved issue" and "a done deal", each with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and that all stakeholders are aware of the resolution to avoid misunderstandings. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to professional settings to effectively convey finality and closure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resolved issue

Directly states that a problem or point of contention has been solved.

a concluded topic

Indicates the discussion or examination of a subject has come to an end.

a done deal

Suggests an agreement has been finalized and is unlikely to change.

a decided question

Emphasizes that a specific question has been answered and is no longer open for debate.

a closed case

Implies finality and completion, particularly in legal or investigative contexts.

something already decided

Highlights the past decision-making process and its binding nature.

an established fact

Indicates something is proven and widely accepted as true.

a matter of record

Indicates something is officially documented and confirmed.

a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was predictable or inevitable from the beginning.

a non-issue

Suggests that something was never a real problem or concern in the first place.

FAQs

How can I use "a settled matter" in a sentence?

You can use "a settled matter" to indicate that a topic or decision is final and no longer open for discussion. For example: "The budget allocation is "a settled matter" and will not be revisited."

What's a formal way to say "a settled matter"?

More formal alternatives to "a settled matter" include "a resolved issue", "a concluded topic", or "an established fact", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a settled matter"?

While generally acceptable, using "a settled matter" may come across as dismissive if some parties feel their concerns haven't been adequately addressed. Ensure transparency and inclusivity before declaring something settled.

What is the difference between "a settled matter" and "a done deal"?

"A settled matter" implies a topic has been resolved, whereas "a done deal" specifically suggests an agreement or transaction has been finalized and is unlikely to change. The former is more general, while the latter is more specific to agreements.