reached a settlement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached a settlement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or negotiation contexts to indicate that two or more parties have come to an agreement to resolve a dispute or issue. Example: "After several months of negotiations, the two companies finally reached a settlement regarding the patent dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(They reached a settlement).

The New York Times

Eventually, they reached a settlement.

The New York Times

Last month the two parties reached a settlement.

The New York Times

Eventually, the two reached a settlement.

The New York Times

(Burnham later reached a settlement with Weslodge).

The New Yorker

The companies reached a settlement in 2008.

The New York Times - Tech

In 2012, Cardinal also reached a settlement.

The Washington Post

The two sides eventually reached a settlement.

The Washington Post

During recent talks, the two sides reached a settlement.

The New York Times

The two parties ultimately reached a settlement last month.

The New York Times

(Prosecutors reached a settlement in a similar suit against Lyft).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reached a settlement", ensure the context clearly indicates what the dispute was and who the involved parties are. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reached a settlement" in contexts where a formal dispute resolution isn't involved. For instance, don't say "We reached a settlement on the dinner menu" when you simply agreed on what to eat. Use more appropriate phrases like "agreed on" or "decided on" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached a settlement" functions as a declarative statement indicating the resolution of a dispute or disagreement. It typically involves two or more parties and implies a formal agreement. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is generally used correctly in written English and suitable for legal or negotiation contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reached a settlement" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the resolution of a dispute. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's especially fitting in legal or negotiation scenarios. While alternatives like "came to an agreement" or "resolved the dispute" exist, "reached a settlement" specifically implies resolving a conflict through mutual concession. It's frequently found in news reports and academic analyses, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and utility. Remember to use it when discussing the conclusion of a dispute through formal agreement, and to clearly specify what the dispute was and who the parties were.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolved the dispute

Directly addresses the conflict and its ending.

came to terms

Focuses more on the agreement itself rather than the process of resolving a dispute.

settled the matter

Implies bringing closure to an issue, often in a decisive manner.

came to an agreement

A more general phrase that indicates accord on a particular issue, not necessarily after a dispute.

arrived at a resolution

Highlights the act of finding a solution, often in a more formal or problem-solving context.

concluded an agreement

Emphasizes the formal completion of an agreement, possibly after a period of negotiation.

struck a deal

Highlights the exchange and bargaining involved in reaching an accord.

effected a compromise

Implies that both sides had to concede some points to reach an agreement.

ironed out the differences

Implies addressing and resolving specific points of disagreement.

patched things up

Informal and suggests repairing a damaged relationship or situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say that parties "reached a settlement"?

When parties have "reached a settlement", it means they have come to a formal agreement to resolve a dispute or lawsuit, often involving compromises from both sides.

How is "reached a settlement" different from "came to an agreement"?

"Reached a settlement" specifically implies resolving a dispute, whereas "came to an agreement" is a more general term for any form of accord.

What are some alternatives to "reached a settlement"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "resolved the dispute", "came to terms", or "arrived at a resolution".

Is it always necessary to disclose the terms when parties "reached a settlement"?

No, the terms of a settlement are often kept confidential as part of the agreement. Thus, parties can "reached a settlement" without disclosing the specific details to the public.