has settled on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has settled on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a decision or conclusion that has been reached after consideration or deliberation. Example: "After much discussion, the committee has settled on a new policy for employee benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thick dust has settled on dormitory lamps, desks and beds.

The New York Times

Hillier has settled on hers.

Independent

A torpor has settled on the electorate before Sunday's poll.

Independent

And its attention has settled on old haunts.

The Economist

In the event, the Bank has settled on 11%.

The Guardian - Money

For now, he has settled on a minimal display.

The New York Times - Travel

The UK has settled on a relatively meagre 45 days.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has settled on a plea agreement that carries four years in prison.

The New Yorker

Mr Obama has settled on Susan Rice, his campaign foreign policy adviser, for the UN post.

Independent

Dr. Dunbar has settled on luring his dogs to a dedicated post.

The New York Times

In "Hamlet," they write, shame is pervasive; it has settled on Elsinore like a fog.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance of "has settled on"; it can imply a sense of finality or acceptance of a compromise.

Common error

While versatile, "has settled on" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "has determined" or "has concluded" in academic or business writing. Evaluate your audience and choose the most appropriate register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has settled on" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause. It indicates that a subject has made a definitive choice or reached a conclusion after evaluating different options. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has settled on" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase signifying that a decision or choice has been made after careful consideration. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys a sense of resolution and finality. For alternative expressions, consider using "has decided upon" or "has chosen" for a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has decided upon

Focuses more directly on the act of making a decision.

has chosen

A more general term for selecting an option.

has opted for

Implies a preference or inclination towards a specific choice.

has determined

Emphasizes the process of reaching a conclusion through reasoning.

has resolved to

Indicates a firm decision or commitment to a course of action.

has concluded

Suggests an endpoint in a deliberation process.

has agreed on

Highlights the element of consensus or mutual understanding.

has embraced

Implies enthusiastic adoption or acceptance of a choice.

has fixed upon

Emphasizes a firm and unwavering decision.

has picked

A more casual term for selecting an option.

FAQs

What does "has settled on" mean?

The phrase "has settled on" means that someone has made a final decision or choice after considering different options. It implies a sense of resolution or acceptance of a particular outcome.

What can I say instead of "has settled on"?

You can use alternatives like "has decided upon", "has chosen", or "has opted for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has settled on to"?

No, the correct phrase is "has settled on", without the additional "to". The preposition "on" already indicates the object or decision that has been chosen.

How do I use "has settled on" in a sentence?

Use "has settled on" when you want to indicate that someone has reached a decision after considering different possibilities. For example, "After much deliberation, the committee has settled on a new policy."