settle a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle a case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a dispute between two or more parties that is bringing to an end through negotiation and/or compromise. For example: The company agreed to settle the case by offering the plaintiff an undisclosed sum of money.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the real world, most companies would settle a case like this.

The New York Times - Books

It's not unusual for defendants to settle a case whose claims they say are spurious.

The Guardian - Opinion

IT IS better to settle a case than to go to court only to fill the pockets of lawyers.

The Economist

A better understanding of modern litigation practice, which is about gathering facts and knowing how to settle a case.

The New York Times

"These law firms don't need to hit the lottery every time they win or settle a case," Ms. Lettera said.

The New York Times

"It never occurred to me that you could settle a case by paying one of your opponents," he said.

The New York Times

Two weeks ago, Herbalife paid $200 million to settle a case brought by the Federal Trade Commission.

The New York Times

As Marrero said: "There is something counterintuitive and incongruous in a party agreeing to settle a case for $600m if it truly did nothing wrong".

The Guardian - Opinion

In December, UBS said it would pay $1.5 billion in fines to settle a case related to the manipulation of the London interbank offered rate, or Libor.

The New York Times

In part, that reflects the fact that a company will often find it more economical to pay to settle a case rather than pay to defend itself.

The New York Times

The courts can take several years to settle a case and often women cannot afford the several rounds of litigation involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle a case", consider specifying the method of settlement, such as "settle a case out of court" or "settle a case through mediation" to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using "settle a case" when you mean to indicate that the case has been fully resolved with a judgment. "Settle" often implies a compromise, while "resolve" can mean a final judicial determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle a case" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of resolving a legal dispute or conflict. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle a case" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the resolution of a legal dispute through agreement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news reports, formal business contexts, and even scientific discussions. While there are many alternatives, such as "resolve a case" or "conclude a case", each carries slightly different connotations. When using "settle a case", be mindful of implying a compromise rather than a final judgment. This analysis provides insights into the phrase's usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve a case

Focuses on the act of finding a resolution to the case.

conclude a case

Emphasizes the ending or termination of the case.

close a case

Highlights the action of officially ending the case.

adjudicate a case

Refers to a formal judgment or decision made on the case.

dispose of a case

Indicates the act of getting rid of or dealing with the case.

determine a case

Emphasizes the act of deciding the outcome of the case.

negotiate a settlement

Highlights the negotiation aspect leading to a resolution.

mediate a dispute

Focuses on using mediation to resolve a conflict, differing from a purely legal context.

arbitrate a claim

Involves using arbitration to resolve a claim, implying a more formal process.

reach an agreement

Emphasizes the consensus aspect of resolving a dispute, which may not always involve a formal case.

FAQs

What does it mean to "settle a case"?

To "settle a case" means to resolve a legal dispute by reaching an agreement between the parties involved, often without a trial or final judgment. This typically involves compromise and negotiation.

What are some alternatives to "settle a case"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve a case", "conclude a case", or "close a case" depending on the context.

Is it better to "settle a case" or go to trial?

The decision to "settle a case" or go to trial depends on various factors, including the strength of the evidence, the potential outcome, and the costs involved. Settling a case can save time and money, but it may also involve compromise. Going to trial offers the opportunity for a definitive victory but carries more risk.

What are the implications of agreeing to "settle a case"?

Agreeing to "settle a case" typically means that the parties involved have reached a compromise and will forgo further legal action. The terms of the settlement are usually documented in a settlement agreement, which is legally binding.