cannot be settled

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot be settled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to convey that something is not able to be resolved, concluded, or decided upon. Example: The dispute between the two countries over the border cannot be settled, as neither side is willing to compromise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It cannot be settled by a referendum".

The New York Times

They cannot be settled in Brussels or Strasbourg.

The Guardian

It's very old, and it cannot be settled overnight".

The New York Times

For this matter cannot be settled in civil court, nor the court of public opinion.

The New York Times - Sports

This sense of debt and responsibility cannot be settled easily for the manic depressive.

The Guardian - Books

But they remain distant on the tax issue, and one cannot be settled without the other.

The New York Times - Sports

Any such disputes which cannot be settled by negotiations shall be resolved by conciliation or submitted to arbitration.

Yale University

Which kinds of material substrates are compatible with living activity is an empirical question that cannot be settled in advance.

Yale University

But whatever the ancient evidence suggests, the modern national issue cannot be settled by archaeologists and ancient historians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In accordance with the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, individual items cannot be settled separately.

The Guardian

What is more, some of the most important disagreements that divide people and nations cannot be settled by reason alone.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be settled", ensure the context clearly indicates what is preventing the resolution. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be settled" in situations where a simpler phrase like "not decided" would suffice. Reserve it for scenarios with complex or persistent impasses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be settled" functions as a predicate, indicating that a particular issue, dispute, or question is incapable of being resolved or decided. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, signaling its established grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be settled" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe situations where resolution or agreement is impossible or highly improbable. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, highlighting its neutral register and prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where the impasse is genuine and significant, avoiding overuse in overly simple situations. When writing, consider alternatives like "cannot be resolved" or "remains unresolved" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be resolved

Focuses specifically on the inability to find a solution.

cannot be decided

Emphasizes the impossibility of making a determination or decision.

cannot be determined

Highlights the lack of possibility to ascertain something.

cannot be concluded

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching a final decision.

is unresolvable

States directly that a situation or problem has no solution.

cannot be adjudicated

Suggests that a formal judgment or ruling is unattainable.

cannot be finalized

Highlights the lack of possibility to bring something to an end.

defies resolution

Emphasizes the difficulty and unlikelihood of finding a solution.

is beyond settlement

Implies that the matter exceeds the possibility of being resolved or agreed upon.

remains unresolved

Indicates the continuation of a problem without a solution.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be settled" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be settled" to describe disputes, debates, or issues that are difficult or impossible to resolve. For example, "The question of who started the argument "cannot be settled" without additional information."

What's a more formal alternative to "cannot be settled"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "cannot be resolved" or "remains unresolved" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is there a difference between "cannot be settled" and "cannot be solved"?

While both indicate a lack of resolution, "cannot be settled" often applies to disputes or disagreements, while "cannot be solved" typically refers to problems or puzzles. For instance, a border dispute "cannot be settled", whereas a mathematical equation "cannot be solved".

What are some common reasons why something "cannot be settled"?

Reasons can vary widely, including irreconcilable differences, lack of sufficient evidence, or fundamental disagreements on values or principles. Issues that touch upon deeply held beliefs or long-standing conflicts often "cannot be settled" easily.