has been settling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been settling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process or state that started in the past and continues into the present, often in contexts related to emotions, situations, or physical substances. Example: "After months of uncertainty, the situation has been settling, and we can finally move forward with our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Out of the limelight, Freddy's has been settling into a quieter, comfortable existence on Fifth Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets.

The New York Times

Last summer the Italian club were unable to resist a €30m offer from Paris Saint-Germain, where he has been settling in alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Guardian - Sport

Over on all-talk-no-singing 5 Live, Phil Williams has been settling into the 10.30pm slot vacated by Tony Livesey (Livesey now presents the station's early weekend morning show).

The Guardian - Music

With the pianist Danilo Perez, the bassist John Patitucci, the drummer Brian Blade and Mr. Shorter on tenor and soprano saxophones, the band has been settling into performances full of articulated mystery.

The New York Times - Arts

"He just spoiled them to death," said his sister Pauline O'Connor, who has learned what kind of an impression her brother left on people while she has been settling his affairs.

The New York Times

They contributed to a cold war chill that has been settling over relations between Washington and Moscow ahead a meeting between President Obama and President Vladimir V. Putin, their first, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit meeting in the Mexican resort of Los Cabos next week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

(The dispute has been settled).

The New Yorker

Nothing has been settled.

The New York Times

Now that doubt has been settled too.

The Economist

The crowd has been settled somewhat.

The New York Times

(The case has been settled).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been settling", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It implies a gradual process of becoming more stable, comfortable, or established. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of this transition.

Common error

Avoid using "has been settling" when you simply mean something is already settled or decided. The phrase emphasizes the process of settling, not the final state. For a completed action, use "has been settled" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been settling" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It describes an action that began in the past, continues into the present, and emphasizes the ongoing process of settling. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use across various contexts, from emotional states to physical processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been settling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. As Ludwig AI verifies, it effectively describes an ongoing process of stabilization or adjustment. Primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, this phrase is suitable for neutral to formal communication. Keep in mind that "has been settling" emphasizes the process itself, distinguishing it from the completed state implied by "has settled". To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, remember these subtle differences and use "has been settling" when emphasizing a gradual shift towards stability or comfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been stabilizing

Focuses on achieving a state of equilibrium or steadiness, implying a reduction in fluctuations or disturbances.

has been calming down

Emphasizes a decrease in agitation or excitement, often referring to emotions, situations, or environments.

has been finding its feet

Highlights the process of gaining confidence and competence in a new environment or role.

has been becoming accustomed

Underscores the gradual adaptation to new conditions or surroundings, implying a growing familiarity.

has been getting comfortable

Suggests a process of increasing ease and relaxation, often associated with a physical or emotional environment.

has been solidifying

Implies the process of becoming stronger, more secure, or more firmly established, often in a structural or metaphorical sense.

has been taking root

Focuses on the establishment of something new, such as an idea or organization, in a particular place or context.

has been resolving

Highlights the gradual solving of a problem or dispute.

has been establishing itself

Emphasizes the action of making a place or thing reputable and well-known.

has been establishing itself

Focuses on the action of something becoming stable, accepted or successful after a period of time.

FAQs

What does "has been settling" mean?

The phrase "has been settling" describes a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing. It suggests a process of becoming more stable, calm, or comfortable over time.

How can I use "has been settling" in a sentence?

You can use "has been settling" to describe a variety of situations, such as: "The dust "has been settling" after the argument", "He "has been settling" into his new job", or "The economy "has been settling" after the recession".

What's the difference between "has been settling" and "has settled"?

"Has been settling" implies a continuous process, while "has settled" indicates a completed action. For example, "The dispute "has been settling"" suggests the dispute is gradually being resolved, while "the dispute "has settled"" means it is completely resolved.

What can I say instead of "has been settling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has been calming down", "has been stabilizing", or "has been finding its feet".