settle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as resolving a dispute, reaching an agreement, or establishing a residence. Example: "After much discussion, they decided to settle their differences amicably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is time to settle this European question in British politics".

The New York Times

In Brussels on Tuesday, Yatsenyuk thanked the OSCE for its plan but said Ukraine had its own proposals for ending the crisis and that the people of his country should settle the issue themselves.

The Guardian

The Europe fanatic with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the last quarter-century of EU politics was supposed to settle down to memoir-scribbling.

The Guardian

A town in Michigan will levy a one-time tax hike on the city's homeowners to pay nearly $1.4m to settle a lawsuit with a man who was beaten by a police officer.

The Guardian

The BBC assures me that as things settle down only coverage from the Olympic venues will be nuked.

The Guardian

But even before he could feel the tarmac beneath his feet and settle into the sleek grey Jaguar idling on the apron, the reality of his predicament became clear.

The Guardian - Business

With England's World Cup campaign starting against Australia in Melbourne on 14 February, Morgan and the coach, Peter Moores, need to settle on their strongest XI as soon as possible.

The Guardian - Sport

When you compare the gentle coverage the royals receive in the US media with what they get on their home turf, you wonder why they don't quietly slip away and settle in, say, Orlando, Florida.

The Guardian

"You need to feel 100% comfortable with your choice; never settle for second best," she adds.

The Guardian

London Grammar, who were only formed last year, received a major boost with an appearance on Disclosure's chart-topping LP, Settle.

The Guardian - Music

Start with Harriette Arnow's The Dollmaker, the 1954 bestseller which follows a Kentucky family as they migrate north for wartime jobs and settle in the factory housing of "Flint's Motor Company".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle" in the context of disputes, ensure that all parties involved are willing to compromise for a mutually agreeable resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "settle" when a more precise verb like "resolve", "determine", or "establish" would better convey the intended meaning. For example, use "resolve" when referring to problems and "establish" when referring to rules.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "settle" is a verb, indicating actions such as resolving disputes, establishing residences, or becoming calm. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in conveying resolution, establishment, or stabilization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "settle" functions primarily as a verb with diverse applications, including resolving disputes, establishing residences, and stabilizing conditions. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. Its frequency is very common, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts, as evidenced by the many examples. While grammatically sound, selecting a more precise term like "resolve" or "establish" may be appropriate for greater clarity in specific instances. When using "settle", remember to consider the context and choose the most fitting synonym to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem or dispute.

determine

Emphasizes reaching a firm decision or conclusion.

adjust

Highlights the act of making something suitable or compatible.

establish

Implies setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

conclude

Suggests bringing something to an end, often after deliberation.

reconcile

Focuses on restoring friendly relations.

decide

Implies making a choice or judgment.

finalize

Emphasizes the completion of a process or agreement.

square up

Implies paying or adjusting an account.

ensconce

Suggests establishing or placing comfortably.

FAQs

How can I use "settle" in a sentence?

You can use "settle" to mean to resolve a dispute, as in: "They decided to "settle the argument"". It can also mean to establish a residence, such as: "They plan to "settle in the countryside"".

What are some alternatives to the word "settle"?

Depending on the context, you can use "resolve", "determine", or "adjust" as alternatives to "settle".

Is it correct to say "settle down"?

Yes, "settle down" is a common phrasal verb that means to become calm or to start living a more stable life.

What is the difference between "settle" and "resolve"?

"Settle" often implies reaching a compromise or agreement to end a dispute or uncertainty, while ""resolve"" suggests finding a solution to a problem or difficulty.