settle a matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle a matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to agree on the outcome of a dispute or problem. For example: "After two hours of discussion, we were finally able to settle the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the late Soviet leader's testimony - praise for the Rosenbergs in a newly disclosed memoir that seems to reaffirm the verdict of the court that condemned them in 1953 - is unlikely to settle a matter that has generated passionate books and an endless debate that swirls with intrigue and mirrors an age of nuclear fear and cold-war doubt.

The New York Times

Knocking a character out of a scene doesn't settle a matter".

Wikipedia

But I do know that it is not too often when a suspected criminal hires an attorney and offers a municipality $400,000 to settle a matter involving his false arrest.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Seperately, according to the Star Tribune, she has reportedly been settling a matter in which her campaign staff were accused of stealing a list of home-school families to use for fundraising purposes.

The Guardian

Even though he is not sure that it will do the young thing any good, Dhoorre hopes that his statement will have in it the vigor of settling a matter in dispute.

The New Yorker

The settlement is among the biggest in Uber's history and marks the first time the company has settled a matter with the top law enforcement officials from all 50 states and the District.

The Washington Post

In 2008, Countrywide agreed to pay $325,000 to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee in Pittsburgh, settling a matter that accused it of abusive practices in almost 300 mortgage loans overseen by the court.

The New York Times

Countrywide Home Loans has agreed to pay $325,000 to the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee in Pittsburgh, settling a matter that accused the lender of abusive practices in almost 300 mortgage loans overseen by the court.

The New York Times

"I will always feel that there were conversations and e-mails that were intended to inappropriately use an official government position to settle a family matter".

The New York Times

But he was also thinking that afterward he might try to settle a second matter in Houston, then maybe fly to Dallas to settle a third of his 100 or so S.U.V. rollover lawsuits.

The New York Times - Magazine

But as Mr Brash keeps pointing out, Labour must settle a few matters before it can get down to the business of running the county including the question of whether it actually won the election.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settle a matter" when you want to convey that a problem, dispute, or issue has been resolved, often through discussion, negotiation, or legal means.

Common error

While "settle a matter" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "fix the problem" or "sort it out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle a matter" functions as a verbal phrase often used as part of a larger sentence structure. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in legal and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle a matter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the resolution of a problem or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It finds its primary use in news and media, and wiki contexts. While not the most frequent expression, it conveys a sense of closure and finality. When writing, it's best to use "settle a matter" in formal or professional contexts where the resolution of an issue is being discussed. Alternative phrasing includes "resolve an issue", "sort out a problem", and "bring closure to a situation" depending on the particular nuance you are trying to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem.

sort out a problem

Implies organizing and clarifying a confusing situation.

iron out a difficulty

Suggests smoothing away the rough edges of a problem.

bring closure to a situation

Emphasizes ending a situation and moving forward.

put an end to a dispute

Specifically targets resolving a disagreement or conflict.

find a resolution to an affair

Suggests a formal or official solution to a situation.

deal with a question

Focuses on addressing and answering a specific inquiry.

clear up a misunderstanding

Targets resolving confusion or miscommunication.

remedy a problem

Implies correcting or fixing a fault or error.

handle an incident

Focuses on managing and resolving a specific event or occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle a matter" in sentences like: "The company offered a sum of money to "settle a matter" out of court" or "Mediation can often help parties "settle a matter" amicably".

What are some alternatives to "settle a matter"?

Alternatives include "resolve an issue", "sort out a problem", or "bring closure to a situation" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "settle the matter" instead of "settle a matter"?

Both "settle the matter" and "settle a matter" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Settle the matter" typically refers to a specific, already defined issue, while "settle a matter" can refer to a more general or undefined problem.

What's the difference between "settle a matter" and "address a matter"?

"Settle a matter" implies resolution or a conclusion, whereas "address a matter" simply means to give attention to or deal with it, without necessarily resolving it.