it settles for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it settles for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something accepts a less favorable option or outcome than what was desired or expected. Example: "After much deliberation, the committee decided it settles for a smaller budget than initially proposed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It settles for gore and pain instead.

The New York Times

Before it settles for sentimentality, the film occasionally clicks.

The New York Times

It settles for being sensible, restrained, uncomplicated and instructive.

The New York Times

It settles for half-baked, which I don't mean to sound as harsh as it does.

The New York Times

Even if it settles for billions of dollars, such words may still be true.

The New York Times

Sinfully so, but at least it settles for regular-grade gas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It settled for negotiations on its main demands.

The Economist

She lets it settle for a few days.

The New York Times - Food

Or should it settle for reducing the executives' clout by merely scrapping sweetheart deals?

The Economist

It settled for a rally that fell short, 67-65, at Rutgers Athletic Center.

The New York Times - Sports

It settled for $50,000 with a bar that showed the Mayweather-Victor Ortiz fight in 2011.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it settles for" when you want to convey the idea that an entity is accepting something less than ideal. It subtly implies a compromise or a lack of better options.

Common error

Avoid using "it settles for" too frequently in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal or suggest a lack of ambition. Consider stronger verbs like "accepts", "adopts", or "concedes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it settles for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is accepting or agreeing to something, typically because a better option is not available or feasible. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it settles for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates the acceptance of something less than ideal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its register is mostly neutral and its usage is frequent across news, business, and general contexts, more formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives. The phrase conveys a sense of compromise or making do with available resources, as highlighted by various examples. When using "it settles for", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject ideally desired, thereby enriching the nuance of the acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it accepts

A straightforward synonym indicating agreement or compliance.

it compromises

This alternative suggests a mutual agreement involving concessions from all parties.

it makes do with

Emphasizes resourcefulness in using what is available, even if it's not ideal.

it resigns itself to

Indicates acceptance of something unpleasant or inevitable, often with a sense of disappointment.

it is content with

Suggests satisfaction, even if the outcome isn't perfect. Highlights acceptance.

it begrudgingly accepts

Implies reluctant acceptance, often with underlying resentment.

it reluctantly agrees to

Highlights the hesitation or unwillingness in accepting the situation.

it is satisfied with

Suggests a level of contentment with the compromise or alternative.

it concedes to

Implies yielding or surrendering to a less desirable outcome after resistance.

it accedes to

Highlights a formal agreement, often under pressure or obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "it settles for" in a sentence?

You can use "it settles for" to indicate that something or someone accepts a less desirable option because better alternatives are unavailable or impractical. For example, "The company wanted a larger office space, but "it settles for" a smaller one due to budget constraints."

What can I say instead of "it settles for"?

You can use alternatives like "it compromises", "it accepts", or "it makes do with" depending on the context.

Is "it settles for" formal or informal?

"It settles for" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for many contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative.

What's the difference between "it settles for" and "it achieves"?

"It settles for" implies accepting something less than ideal, while "it achieves" indicates the successful completion of a goal or aspiration. They are opposites in meaning.