settle a dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

"settle a dispute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe when two or more parties reach an agreement regarding a disagreement. For example, "After a long negotiation, both parties were able to settle their dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It turned out to be a meeting to settle a dispute over a chromite mine.

The Economist

A hearing to settle a dispute can take three months to schedule.

The New York Times

A year earlier, Krispy Kreme had costs of $9.1 million to settle a dispute with franchisees.

The New York Times

At one point he proposes to settle a dispute with the California attorney general schoolyard style.

The New York Times - Books

The war metaphor suggests opposing sides, both attempting to settle a dispute through violence.

The New York Times

Every now and then gangsters would file into a restaurant and stab a patron to settle a dispute.

The Economist

In 1922 he was appointed to a government commission to settle a dispute over the boundary between Colombia and Venezuela.

Encyclopedia Britannica

David Cameron has sought to settle a dispute with equal rights campaigners by insisting that he is a feminist.

The Guardian

Earlier this month, it took the United Nations' highest court to settle a dispute between two Central American nations.

The Guardian

Moreover, refusal to settle a dispute in a sharia court could lead to to threats, intimidation or isolation.

The Guardian

At one stage, the bickering factions even settle a dispute by pulling out a big, thick book of pirate rules.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about resolving disagreements, use "settle a dispute" to convey a formal or official resolution, especially in legal or business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "settle a dispute" in very casual or informal conversations. Opt for phrases like "resolve the issue" or "work it out" for everyday disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle a dispute" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of resolving a disagreement or conflict. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from legal battles to international relations, all aimed at achieving a resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle a dispute" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the resolution of a disagreement. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best suited for formal or official contexts, as using it in very casual conversations may sound out of place. Alternatives like ""resolve a conflict"" or ""mediate a disagreement"" can also be used depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve a conflict

Focuses on the resolution of a conflict, which is a more general term than a dispute.

mediate a disagreement

Involves a third party (mediator) to help resolve the disagreement.

arbitrate a dispute

Uses a more formal process of arbitration to settle the dispute.

settle differences

Is a more concise and general alternative focusing on resolving disagreements.

adjudicate a claim

Refers to a formal legal process of judging a claim, more specific to legal disputes.

reach an agreement

Highlights the outcome of settling a dispute, which is achieving consensus.

iron out differences

Implies a smoothing over of minor disagreements, less formal than "dispute".

find common ground

Emphasizes the process of discovering shared interests to resolve a dispute.

end a feud

Implies a long-standing and bitter dispute that is brought to a close.

make peace

Suggests restoring harmonious relations after a dispute, often used in more serious contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "settle a dispute" in a sentence?

You can use "settle a dispute" to describe the act of resolving a disagreement, such as, "The company agreed to an arbitration process to "settle a dispute" with its suppliers."

What are some alternatives to "settle a dispute"?

Some alternatives to "settle a dispute" include "resolve a conflict", "mediate a disagreement", or "arbitrate a dispute".

Is it better to "settle a dispute" or "resolve a dispute"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""settle a dispute"" often implies a more formal or official resolution, whereas "resolve a dispute" can be used in broader contexts.

What's the difference between "settle a dispute" and "win a dispute"?

"Settle a dispute" means reaching an agreement or compromise, while "win a dispute" implies that one party achieves their desired outcome, often at the expense of the other party.