can be settled

USAGE SUMMARY

'can be settled' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something can be resolved or solved. For example: "The dispute between the two parties can be settled through negotiation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These problems can be settled".

The New York Times

Policy can be settled later.

The Guardian

Any argument can be settled by examining the negative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In poor villages and urban slums countless vendettas can be settled in a blasphemy allegation.

The Economist

It can be settled only through contemporary political and legal negotiations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And how is it decided that such a crime can be settled with money?

The New Yorker

A civil suit can be settled at any time, with the court's approval.

The New York Times

Before the outlier question can be settled, some old-fashioned disease detective work must be done.

The New York Times

When problems do arise, the vast majority can be settled with a phone call or meeting.

The New York Times

Some property tax disputes can be settled through informal discussions with the assessor's office.

The Washington Post

If that's the case, I can guarantee that it can be settled very quickly.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be settled", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being resolved, such as a dispute, a debt, or an argument.

Common error

Avoid using "can be settled" in every situation where a resolution is needed. Sometimes, an active voice construction can provide more clarity and directness. For example, instead of "The issue can be settled by the parties", consider "The parties can settle the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be settled" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of resolving a situation, dispute, or debt. The modal verb "can" expresses the potential for settlement, while "be settled" denotes the action of reaching an agreement or resolution. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be settled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the possibility of resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and suitable for various contexts. While highly prevalent in "News & Media", it also appears in "Science" and other fields. To enhance clarity, consider using the active voice when appropriate, and be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for alternatives such as "can be resolved" or "can be addressed" depending on the context. Always ensure the context clearly identifies what is being settled.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be resolved

Emphasizes the act of finding a solution to a problem or dispute.

can be addressed

Focuses on dealing with an issue or problem directly.

can be finalized

Highlights the completion or concluding stage of a process or agreement.

can be reconciled

Suggests bringing differing ideas or situations into agreement.

can be negotiated

Implies that an agreement is reached through discussion and compromise.

can be fixed

Focuses on repairing or correcting a problem.

can be rectified

Stresses the correction of something that is wrong or unjust.

can be cleared up

Indicates the removal of confusion or misunderstanding.

can be straightened out

Suggests correcting a situation that is disorganized or problematic.

can be determined

Focuses on establishing or deciding something definitively.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be settled" to indicate that a problem, dispute, or debt is capable of being resolved or paid off. For example, "The disagreement "can be settled" through mediation".

What can I say instead of "can be settled"?

You can use alternatives like "can be resolved", "can be addressed", or "can be finalized" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be settled"?

While "can be settled" is grammatically correct in passive voice, using active voice can sometimes be more direct. For example, instead of "The matter "can be settled" by the committee", you could say "The committee can settle the matter".

What is the difference between "can be settled" and "can be resolved"?

Both phrases suggest a solution is possible, but ""can be settled"" often implies an agreement or payment, while "can be resolved" is more general and applies to any kind of problem.