halt the settlements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "halt the settlements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the cessation of activities related to settlements, such as in political or social discussions. Example: "The government has decided to halt the settlements in the disputed region to promote peace talks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The most recent was during President Barack Obama's first term, but came to grief over Israeli security demands, and Mr Netanyahu's refusal to halt the settlements programme.

Independent

Mr. Obama's calls Wednesday to Middle Eastern leaders were helpful, and he should immediately make clear that he wants Israel to halt the settlements and ease repressive restrictions on the West Bank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We call upon Israeli prime minister-elect Ehud Barak to end his silence and to halt the settlement measures taken by Netanyahu," said Tayeb Abdel Rahim, Mr Arafat's chief of staff.

The Guardian

Does anyone think that the United States, the one country capable of influencing Israel's actions, will go beyond calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which President Obama did on Monday, and put real pressure on the Israeli government to halt the settlement-building and reach a land-for-peace deal with the Palestinians?

The New Yorker

There is little question that the failure of Camp David could have been avoided had Bill Clinton used his considerable leverage to halt the settlement expansion at the start of the peace process.

Huffington Post

By using language not seen since Baker on halting the settlements, the Obama administration has started to hold Israel accountable.

The New York Times

He can do this by halting the settlements, easing the siege of Gaza and discontinuing the eviction of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem.

The New York Times

He refused to extend the settlement moratorium, or negotiate the "core issues" of borders, Jerusalem, and refugees with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas – who jumped at the opportunity and boycotted talks until Israel halts the settlements.

The Guardian - Opinion

Claiming that Arafat told him in the days before his death that he wished he had halted the settlements, Mr Masri added: "If we negotiate without the [right] terms of reference we will find in a very short time that it will lead us to catastrophe".

Independent

Delaware Chancellor Leo E. Strine Jr. on Friday denied the Delaware plaintiffs' attempt to halt the New York settlement of the shareholder cases.

The New York Times

In the initial phase, the Palestinians must crack down on militants, while Israel is to withdraw its troops gradually from Palestinian areas and halt the growth of settlements in the West Bank and Gaza.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "halt the settlements", ensure the context clearly indicates which settlements are being referred to. Providing specific geographical or political context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "halt the settlements" without specifying which settlements are being discussed. A lack of context can lead to confusion and misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "halt the settlements" functions primarily as a noun phrase that is often used as the object of a verb, especially in political and diplomatic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "halt the settlements" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly within news and media contexts. It generally appears when discussing the cessation of settlement construction and expansion, especially in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is well-established in English and can be used in a range of political and social discussions. Alternative phrases include "stop the settlements" or "cease settlement construction". When utilizing this phrase, ensuring clarity about the specific settlements in question is paramount for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop the settlements

Direct synonym, replacing "halt" with "stop".

cease settlement construction

"Cease" is a more formal synonym for "halt", and specifies "settlement construction".

end settlement expansion

Focuses on the expansion aspect of settlements, using "end" instead of "halt".

freeze settlement activity

Implies a temporary stop using the word "freeze".

suspend settlement building

Suggests a temporary interruption of building activities.

block settlement growth

Emphasizes preventing the increase in settlements.

curtail settlement development

"Curtail" suggests a reduction in the scale or pace of development.

impede settlement construction

"Impede" implies hindering or obstructing the construction process.

restrain settlement activities

Focuses on restraining or controlling settlement activities.

discontinue settlement programs

"Discontinue" suggests a more formal and permanent cessation of programs.

FAQs

What does "halt the settlements" mean in political discussions?

In political discourse, "halt the settlements" typically refers to ceasing the construction or expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territories. It's often used in discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and international law.

What are some alternative phrases for "halt the settlements"?

You can use alternatives such as "stop the settlements", "cease settlement construction", or "end settlement expansion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "halt the settlements"?

Yes, "halt the settlements" is grammatically correct. "Halt" functions as a verb meaning to stop, and "settlements" is the noun being acted upon.

What is the difference between "halt the settlements" and "halting the settlements"?

"Halt the settlements" is often used as a direct call to action or demand. "Halting the settlements" is a gerund phrase that describes the act of stopping the settlements and can be used as a subject or object in a sentence, for example: "Halting the settlements could lead to peace negotiations.