a settlement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a settlement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to agreements, resolutions, or legal contexts where parties come to a mutual decision. Example: "After lengthy negotiations, the two companies finally reached a settlement to resolve their dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now, there's a settlement.

The New Yorker

Armstrong won a settlement.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a settlement.

The New Yorker

(They reached a settlement).

The New York Times

It is not a settlement.

The Economist

His prestige brought a settlement.

The Economist

A settlement still seems remote.

The Economist

A settlement, though, needs resources.

The New York Times

The most likely outcome is a settlement.

The New Yorker

Political moderates may broker a settlement.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They seem to prefer a settlement in writing.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or business agreements, use "a settlement" to denote a formal resolution of a dispute or claim.

Common error

Avoid using "settling" when you mean "a settlement". "Settling" typically refers to the act of resolving something, whereas "a settlement" is the agreement itself. For example, say "the parties reached a settlement" not "the parties are settling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a settlement" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, referring to an official agreement or resolution, often in legal or business contexts. It can also refer to a place where people live.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a settlement" is grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and denotes an agreement to resolve a dispute or conflict or to denote an area where people established a community. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts and has a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing "a settlement" with the gerund form "settling". Alternatives such as "an agreement", "a resolution", or "a compromise" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an agreement

Focuses on the mutual understanding reached between parties.

a resolution

Emphasizes the act of resolving a dispute or problem.

a compromise

Highlights the mutual concessions made to reach an accord.

a deal

A more informal term for an agreement, often used in business contexts.

an accord

A formal agreement or treaty.

a treaty

A formal agreement between countries.

an arrangement

Focuses on the planned or organized nature of the agreement.

a resolution of conflict

Specifically addresses the resolution of disputes.

a colony

Refers to a newly established community in a new area.

a habitat

Highlights an area where people or animals live.

FAQs

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

You can use "a settlement" to describe a formal agreement, as in "The company reached "a settlement" with the plaintiffs" or to refer to a place where people establish a community, as in "The early settlers established "a settlement" near the river".

What's the difference between "a settlement" and "an agreement"?

"A settlement" typically implies the resolution of a dispute or legal claim, while "an agreement" is a broader term referring to any mutual understanding between parties.

What can I say instead of "a settlement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an agreement", "a resolution", "a compromise", or "a deal".

Is "a settlement" formal or informal?

The term "a settlement" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In legal or business settings, it has a formal connotation, while in historical or geographical contexts (referring to a community), it can be more neutral.