private settlement

USAGE SUMMARY

"private settlement" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when discussing a resolution reached between two parties that has been kept confidential. For example, "The two parties reached a private settlement, the details of which remain unknown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The decision to go to a judge followed Brown's refusal to negotiate a private settlement.

The Guardian - Music

Even Mr. Strauss-Kahn, who reached a private settlement in a sexual assault case, is not in the clear yet.

The New York Times

Even with a private settlement, the scope of Halliburton's liability will be unclear until the end of the multidistrict litigation consolidated by a federal judge in New Orleans.

The New York Times

Within a month, Mr. McCormick had agreed to a private settlement with the woman's lawyer: if he withdrew from Brown, she would not file criminal charges.

The New York Times

As talk of the trial ricocheted around his office, Mr. Brennan said he wished the couple could have come to a private settlement.

The New York Times

They often prefer a day in court -- "the ventilation of a public grievance," as Kafka's Joseph K. says in "The Trial" -- to a private settlement.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Not all private settlements are anti-consumer.

The New York Times

That leak, in 2008, is said to have led to hundreds of private settlements with HMRC, but only one prosecution.

The Guardian - Business

In general, analysts said, the private settlements between Microsoft and competitors provided for cross-licensing and sharing technology.

The New York Times

Most abuse cases involving the Scouts have ended in private settlements, and it is unknown how much the group has paid to victims.

The New York Times

But Microsoft has settled state and federal lawsuits in the United States while paying more than $4 billion in private settlements related to the federal case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reporting, pair the phrase with verbs like "reach", "negotiate" or "finalize" to describe the completion of the process.

Common error

While often used interchangeably, a "private settlement" specifically implies that the terms or existence of the deal are not public record. An "out-of-court settlement" simply means it happened before a verdict, but it could still be public knowledge unless explicitly stated as private.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private settlement" functions as a compound noun phrase, typically serving as the direct object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used with transitive verbs such as "reached", "agreed to" or "finalized". It characterizes a specific legal outcome where a dispute is resolved through mutual agreement rather than judicial mandate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "private settlement" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe confidential legal or personal agreements. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in high-authority sources, particularly when discussing litigation that concludes without a public court ruling. It is essential for writers to distinguish it from a general "out-of-court" resolution when the element of confidentiality is the defining characteristic of the event. Whether used in a business, legal or journalistic context, it remains a professional and precise choice for describing resolved disputes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidential agreement

Emphasizes the secrecy and legal binding nature of the deal.

out-of-court settlement

Focuses on the fact that the legal process was resolved before a final judgment in court.

private arrangement

Less formal and can apply to non-legal personal matters.

amicable resolution

Implies a friendly or cooperative ending to a dispute.

civil settlement

Specifies the legal domain (civil law) rather than the level of privacy.

non-disclosure agreement

Specifically refers to the legal contract that keeps the settlement private.

closed-door deal

More idiomatic and often carries a slightly negative or suspicious connotation.

secret pact

Stronger emphasis on total secrecy, often used in political or dramatic contexts.

mediated agreement

Focuses on the process of using a third-party mediator to reach the goal.

undisclosed sum

Refers specifically to the financial aspect of the settlement being hidden.

FAQs

How to use "private settlement" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase, for example: "The two companies reached a "private settlement" to avoid a lengthy trial".

What can I say instead of "private settlement"?

You can use alternatives like "confidential agreement", ""out-of-court settlement"" or "amicable resolution".

What's the difference between "private settlement" and "public trial"?

A "private settlement" is a resolution reached between parties confidentially, while a "public trial" involves a formal legal proceeding in open court where evidence and outcomes are part of the public record.

Is it "private settlement" or "personal settlement"?

While both are correct, ""private settlement"" is the standard term for legal or business confidentiality, whereas "personal settlement" is less common and usually refers specifically to a resolution involving an individual's private life.