is about to settle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is about to settle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is on the verge of concluding or reaching a resolution. Example: "The negotiations have been lengthy, but it seems that an agreement is about to settle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Tilda Swinton, in an Oscar-winning role, is chief counsel for an agrichemical behemoth that is about to settle a multibillion-dollar lawsuit with the firm's help.

The New York Times - Arts

Tilda Swinton, in her Oscar-winning role, is chief counsel for an agrichemical behemoth that is about to settle a multibillion-dollar lawsuit with the firm's help.

The New York Times

Then, just when the song is about to settle for being simply effective, it shifts satisfyingly into an unexpected bridge section.

The New Yorker

Tilda Swinton, in an Oscar-winning role, is chief counsel for an agrochemical behemoth that is about to settle a multibillion-dollar lawsuit with the firm's help.

The New York Times - Arts

No, as the expert, a far heavier load is about to settle on your shoulders, and I want to admit here and now that it has changed the way I think about pictures.

The New York Times

A factory worker in Mumbai is about to settle down to a snack of samosas and chai when he gets a call from his wife in Uttar Pradesh who complains she is out of cash.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The broken specs at the end of Time Enough at Last, when a readaholic is about to finally settle down after a nuclear bomb?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He was about to settle down," Mr. Croutier said.

The New York Times

This is not to say that Tehran and Washington are about to settle their differences soon.

The New York Times

It was twenty minutes to eleven, and Bergstein was about to settle into seat H207 at the Vivian Beaumont.

The New Yorker

Her lawyer was helpful at first, Mr. Brenna said, but backed off last year when his case was about to settle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is about to settle" when you want to convey that something is very close to reaching a conclusion or agreement. Consider the specific context to determine if a more precise alternative might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "is about to settle" in contexts where 'settle' implies physical movement or becoming still. Ensure 'settle' refers to a conclusion or agreement, not simply becoming stationary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is about to settle" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something is on the cusp of reaching a resolution or conclusion. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and provides numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is about to settle" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is nearing a resolution. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is prevalent in news and media sources, fitting within a neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. While "is about to settle" is generally correct, it’s crucial to consider the context to ensure 'settle' aligns with reaching a conclusion rather than physical stillness. For alternative phrasing, you might consider expressions like "is nearing resolution" or "is close to finalizing", depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is on the verge of settling

Emphasizes the imminence of the settling action.

is nearing resolution

Focuses on the process of resolving an issue.

is close to finalizing

Highlights the nearing of a final decision.

is set to conclude

Indicates a planned or expected conclusion.

is on the cusp of resolving

Stresses the delicate balance before resolution.

is approaching agreement

Highlights the gradual move towards a mutual understanding.

is drawing near to settlement

Implies a gradual and inevitable settling.

is on the point of reconciliation

Specifically used in contexts involving bringing parties back together.

is on track for settlement

Indicates progress and direction toward a settlement.

is in the process of concluding

Focuses on the ongoing action of concluding something.

FAQs

How can I use "is about to settle" in a sentence?

You can use "is about to settle" to indicate that something is on the verge of reaching a resolution, like in "The legal dispute is about to settle", or to describe an imminent agreement.

What can I say instead of "is about to settle"?

You can use alternatives like "is nearing resolution", "is close to finalizing", or "is on the verge of settling" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is about to settle" or "is going to settle"?

Both "is about to settle" and "is going to settle" are grammatically correct, but "is about to settle" often implies a greater sense of immediacy and imminence.

What's the difference between "is about to settle" and "is settling"?

"Is about to settle" indicates something that will happen very soon, whereas "is settling" implies that the process of reaching an agreement or conclusion is already underway.