resolve matters

USAGE SUMMARY

"resolve matters" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to settle or settle a dispute. For example: "The two parties were unable to come to a mutual agreement, so a mediator was brought in to help resolve matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But until negotiations and court rulings resolve matters, much uncertainty remains.

The Economist

The band have been haggling with the broadcaster and do not expect to resolve matters today.

Independent

After all that, it was still expected that United would resolve matters in the second leg.

The Guardian - Sport

Games are meant to resolve matters, with the finality of a score.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Clinton, of New York, and Mr. Obama, of Illinois, said Thursday that they were working to resolve matters.

The New York Times

And now, both his and Mr. O'Farrell's problem becomes how to resolve matters once the jig is up.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Complainant must try to resolve matter privately first.

BBC

Price said that Thomas and CTB and "have now resolved matters between them".

The Guardian

"Parties have amicably resolved matters and are very keen to preserve their privacy," Levy said.

The Guardian

"Writing to another country, asking it to control our army, instead of resolving matters on our own".

The New York Times

"Enough progress has been made to give enough hope of resolving matters by bringing it into extra time".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resolve matters" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and the parties involved are well-defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "resolve matters" is generally acceptable, consider using more casual alternatives like "sort things out" in informal conversations to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resolve matters" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "resolve" is the verb and "matters" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the act of settling or finding solutions to issues or disputes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resolve matters" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies settling disputes or finding solutions to problems. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use in various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, academic writing, and formal business communication. While generally neutral to formal in register, it can adapt to less formal settings as needed. When writing, be mindful of the specific context and consider using more casual alternatives in informal conversations. Highly authoritative sources consistently use the phrase, confirming its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settle issues

Focuses on concluding or deciding on specific points of contention.

address problems

Emphasizes dealing with difficulties directly and effectively.

sort out difficulties

Highlights the act of organizing and clarifying complex situations.

rectify situations

Implies correcting or setting right an undesirable circumstance.

iron out disagreements

Suggests smoothing over conflicting views to reach an accord.

fix conflicts

Directly points to repairing or resolving oppositions.

mend rifts

Indicates repairing damaged relationships or separations.

conciliate differences

Stresses bringing opposing parties into agreement.

find solutions

Highlights the active search for resolutions to problems.

mediate disputes

Focuses on using a third party to help settle disagreements.

FAQs

How can I use "resolve matters" in a sentence?

You can use "resolve matters" to describe the act of settling a dispute or finding a solution. For example, "The mediator was brought in to resolve matters between the two parties".

What phrases are similar to "resolve matters"?

Similar phrases include "settle issues", "address problems", or "sort out difficulties".

Is it appropriate to use "resolve matters" in both formal and informal settings?

While acceptable in most contexts, "resolve matters" is generally more suited for formal or neutral settings. In informal conversations, consider alternatives like "sort things out".

What is the difference between "resolve matters" and "solve matters"?

"Resolve matters" often implies settling a dispute or conflict, while "solve matters" suggests finding a solution to a problem. The choice depends on the specific context.