pursue a settlement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursue a settlement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in legal or negotiation contexts when discussing the act of seeking an agreement or resolution between parties. Example: "After several rounds of negotiations, both parties decided to pursue a settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

As we pursue a settlement, let us remember that this is not a zero-sum endeavor.

The New York Times

The commission's calculation is sure to be challenged by Barclays if it decides not to pursue a settlement and seeks a hearing.

The New York Times

"I am directing John Kerry to pursue a settlement with the Iranian government in close cooperation" with international partners, he says.

The Guardian

He said he had directed secretary of state John Kerry to pursue a settlement with the Iranian government on its nuclear program.

The Guardian

"Everyone in the region has their links to the Taliban, so the U.S. needs to pursue a settlement that includes all of those players," he said.

The Washington Post

Six years later, Dolan was begged by the same lieutenants to pursue a settlement when the Knicks executive Anucha Browne Sanders was threatening a sexual harassment lawsuit against Thomas and the Garden.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The path to peace in Somalia lies in separating these forces and pursuing a settlement with the more political and realistic members of the Islamist movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's not simply another diplomatic engagement just to show the world they are pursuing a settlement," Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, who closely scrutinizes American-Russia relations, said of the Kerry-Lavrov effort.

The New York Times

"We have pursued a settlement because it is preferable to spending years in time-consuming and wasteful litigation and is consistent with our environmental leadership position," James E. Rogers, the chairman, president and chief executive of Cinergy, said in a statement.

The New York Times

Nor did the father try to deceive regulators, as Ms. Stewart did; on the contrary, people involved in the investigation said, he swiftly pursued a settlement with the S.E.C. when confronted with the evidence.

The New York Times

Much will depend on how vigorously the United States pursues a settlement between Israel and the Palestinians, which will be seen in countries like Egypt and Jordan as concrete evidence of Washington's real intentions in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before deciding to "pursue a settlement", thoroughly evaluate the potential costs and benefits, including legal fees, time investment, and the likelihood of success.

Common error

A common mistake is using "pursue a settlement" when the intention is to convey that a settlement has already been offered and is being accepted. "Pursue" implies an active effort to achieve a settlement, while "accept" indicates agreement to already proposed terms. Be precise with your verb choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursue a settlement" functions as a verb phrase, with "pursue" acting as the main verb and "a settlement" as the direct object. It describes the action of actively working towards reaching an agreement, often in legal or contentious situations. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursue a settlement" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies an active effort to reach an agreement, often in legal or contentious contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity. While the phrase is more common in news reporting and formal business communication, it can be suitable in a range of situations. Remember to differentiate between "pursuing" and "accepting" a settlement to avoid any confusion. Furthermore, consider alternatives like "aim for a resolution" or "negotiate a deal" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work toward an agreement

Stresses the effort and process involved in achieving a consensus.

seek a compromise

Emphasizes mutual concessions to reach an agreement, rather than a definitive settlement.

try to reach an accord

Similar to reaching an agreement but often implies a formal or official understanding.

negotiate a deal

Highlights the negotiation process involved in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

aim for a resolution

Focuses on resolving a conflict or problem, potentially through means other than a formal settlement.

undertake negotiations

Highlights the formal process of discussing terms to find an agreement.

strive for reconciliation

Implies restoring friendly relations, often after a dispute or conflict.

foster a consensus

Focuses on building a shared understanding and agreement among parties.

engage in mediation

Involves a neutral third party to facilitate settlement discussions.

initiate peace talks

Specifically refers to discussions aimed at ending hostilities or conflicts.

FAQs

How can I use "pursue a settlement" in a sentence?

You can use "pursue a settlement" to describe the action of actively trying to reach an agreement or resolution in a dispute. For example: "The company decided to pursue a settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle."

What's the difference between "pursue a settlement" and "seek a settlement"?

While very similar, "pursue a settlement" implies a more active and determined effort than "seek a settlement". Both involve trying to reach an agreement, but "pursue" suggests greater commitment and persistence.

What can I say instead of "pursue a settlement"?

You can use alternatives like "aim for a resolution", "negotiate a deal", or "work toward an agreement" depending on the context.

Is it always advisable to "pursue a settlement" in legal disputes?

Not always. While settling can save time and money, it's crucial to assess the strength of your case, the potential outcomes of litigation, and the willingness of the other party to compromise. Sometimes, pursuing litigation may be a more strategic option.