needs to be settled

USAGE SUMMARY

'needs to be settled' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or matter that requires resolution or resolution before it can be addressed. For example: "The dispute between the two parties needs to be settled before either can move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This debate needs to be settled once and for all.

The Guardian - Business

A club's destiny needs to be settled on the field".

The Guardian - Sport

But that debate needs to be settled once and for all, preferably before the next crisis arrives.

The Guardian - Business

"I think most people are going to recognize this needs to be settled in court and not in the press".

The New York Times

"Right now, these are just verbal explanations that contradict the written word of the declaration, so that discrepancy needs to be settled," he said.

The New York Times

"The conflict needs to be settled peacefully," he said in a speech at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Paybox aggregates members' payments that need to be settled across borders so far, between Germany, Austria and Spain.

The Economist

"I just need to be settled again," she says, suddenly seeming young.

The Guardian

Ones that need to be settled, for good, before we digress on to skin tones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That represents a tsunami of estates that will need to be settled, something about which many people are in denial.

The New York Times

Some may be able to return to their farms; others may need to be settled in new areas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be settled", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific issue or conflict requires resolution. Being explicit will avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "needs to be settled" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The issue needs to be settled by the committee", consider "The committee must settle the issue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be settled" functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement for resolution or finalization. As supported by Ludwig, this grammatical structure emphasizes the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be settled" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey the necessity of resolving a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. To enhance writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what specific issue requires settlement and consider active voice alternatives for directness. The related phrases offer variety, while being careful about overuse of passive voice maintains clarity. Remember that using "needs to be addressed" might be more appropriate when referring to less formal issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be resolved

Expresses a strong necessity for resolving an issue.

requires resolution

This alternative uses a more formal tone by using "resolution" instead of "settled".

is pending resolution

Similar to 'requires resolution', but slightly more formal.

should be finalized

Focuses on the act of bringing something to its completed form.

requires to be addressed

Emphasizes the necessity of dealing with a matter.

demands a decision

This emphasizes the urgency of making a choice or judgment.

calls for an agreement

Highlights the need for parties to come to a consensus.

is awaiting conclusion

This phrase indicates a state of waiting for an issue to be brought to an end.

remains outstanding

Suggests that something is still pending and needs to be addressed.

is yet to be determined

Indicates that a final decision has not been made.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be settled" in a sentence?

You can use "needs to be settled" to indicate that a decision, dispute, or issue requires resolution. For instance, "The disagreement between the neighbors "needs to be settled" before it escalates."

What are some alternatives to "needs to be settled"?

Alternatives to "needs to be settled" include phrases like "must be resolved", "requires resolution", or "should be finalized", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "needs to be settled"?

While "needs to be settled" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes create a more direct and impactful statement. Consider whether the actor is important to emphasize or if the focus is on the action itself.

What's the difference between "needs to be settled" and "needs to be addressed"?

"Needs to be settled" typically implies a dispute or decision that requires resolution, whereas "needs to be addressed" suggests that a problem or issue requires attention or action. Settling often involves reaching an agreement, while addressing involves taking steps to solve or manage a problem.