settle account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle account" is not correct in standard written English; it should be "settle accounts." You can use it when referring to the process of resolving financial obligations or debts between parties.
Example: "Before we can move forward with the project, we need to settle accounts from the previous contract."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Now it is time to settle accounts".

The New York Times

It is my attempt to settle accounts".

The Guardian

Last week, Kim said, "The time has come to settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists".

The New Yorker

And it will have to fork out billions to settle accounting probes and numerous legal disputes.

The Economist

By 1895 he was determined to settle accounts with the last obstacle, President Kruger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Victims of human rights abuses wanted to settle accounts with their tormentors.

The New Yorker

Sargon was now free to settle accounts with Marduk-apal-iddina of Babylonia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So banks borrow, overnight, from each other, to settle accounts and save themselves some money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Bouley said he was mostly up to date and was trying to settle accounts.

The New York Times

He felt that it was important to settle accounts with those he viewed as "pseudo-reformers".

The New Yorker

Donnerwort" ("Settle Accounts! Word of Thunder"), he rumbled the warning that "by itself splits the rocks" with appropriate gravity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form, "settle accounts", when referring to resolving financial obligations or debts. The singular form, "settle account", is generally considered incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using the singular "settle account". The correct and accepted form is the plural "settle accounts" when referring to financial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle account" functions incorrectly as it should be in the plural form. "Settle accounts" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of resolving financial obligations or disputes. As Ludwig indicates, the singular form is not standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle account" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "settle accounts". This idiom refers to the act of resolving financial obligations or disputes. As Ludwig highlights, the singular form is not standard English. When writing, always use the plural form. There are no usage examples for this query because it is not correct. Alternative phrases include "balance the books", "clear the debt", or "reconcile the accounts", each with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "settle accounts" when you want to convey the idea of finalizing financial dealings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settle accounts

This is the correct plural form, indicating multiple accounts or issues being resolved.

balance the books

Focuses on ensuring financial records are accurate and complete, rather than necessarily resolving disputes.

reconcile the accounts

Emphasizes making different sets of financial records consistent and in agreement.

clear the debt

Specifically refers to paying off an outstanding amount owed.

resolve the matter

A more general term that could apply to financial or non-financial disputes.

square up

An informal way to say to pay what you owe.

make payment

Directly indicates that money will be transmitted.

discharge the debt

This is a formal way to say debt is extinguished.

liquidate assets

Suggests selling possessions to pay off the debt.

close the account

Indicates the termination of the business with certain entity.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "settle account"?

No, the correct phrase is "settle accounts", which refers to resolving financial obligations or debts. The singular form "settle account" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "settle accounts" and "balance the books"?

"Settle accounts" refers to resolving financial obligations, while "balance the books" means ensuring financial records are accurate.

What are some alternatives to "settle accounts"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "clear the debt", "reconcile the accounts", or "resolve the matter".

When should I use "settle accounts"?

Use "settle accounts" when you need to finalize financial dealings, pay off debts, or resolve any outstanding monetary issues with someone.