settle an agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'settle an agreement' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more parties have come to an agreement and are looking to finalize the details. Example sentence: After several hours of negotiations, the two sides finally settled the agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The company offered compensation to customers, but did not settle an agreement with IM Skaugen.

The Guardian - Business

On the same day as the arrests started, his office suspended on-arrival visas for Pakistanis.Although Sri Lanka does not allow asylum-seekers to settle, an agreement signed in 2005 with the UNHCR lets them stay until their cases are processed (typically, about two years) and until they are relocated to a third country.

The Economist

The reconciling strategy is able to settle an agreement between the project owner and the subcontractor.

Applied Energy

Eventually, project leader Stefano Zacchiroli asked Marillat to either settle an agreement about the packaging or to stop using the "Debian" name.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In September Pfizer Inc., one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, along with one of its partner entities, settled an agreement to pay $2.3 billion for having illegally encouraged the medical use of several drugs that were known, by company officials, to have potential health risks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The process Labor followed was to sign a heads of agreement with the relevant state, and then to settle a bilateral agreement at a later stage.

The Guardian

The bans were imposed over a £1.3million payment made to Uefa president Platini, signed off by Fifa president Blatter, in 2011 which they said was to settle a verbal agreement made 13 years beforehand.

Independent

The bans were imposed over a £1.3m payment made to the Uefa president Platini, signed off by the Fifa president Blatter, in 2011 which they said was to settle a verbal agreement made 13 years beforehand.

The Guardian - Sport

In the days before the meeting, there have been increasing suggestions that the White House might have to settle for an agreement that would leave decisions on Jerusalem for another day.

The New York Times

Show them that you are a good worker and settle on an agreement of how much you'll be paid.

WikiHow

SCIENCE TIMES, PAGES F1, F7 Actors Strikee Is Settled A tentative agreement was reached between advertisers and thousands of actors who appear in television commercials, ending a nearly six-month labor dispute.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle an agreement", ensure all parties involved are willing to compromise and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. It is best employed when disputes or initial disagreements need to be overcome to finalize arrangements.

Common error

Avoid using "settle an agreement" when the agreement is still under negotiation or subject to further changes. "Settle" implies a conclusion or resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle an agreement" functions as a verb phrase where 'settle' acts as the verb indicating the action of resolving or finalizing, and 'an agreement' serves as the object, defining what is being settled. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle an agreement" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, generally employed to describe the finalization of an agreement, often involving the resolution of disputes. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources and possesses a neutral to professional register. While less common, it is still a recognized and appropriate way to express the action of finalizing the terms of an agreement. The example contexts from Ludwig illustrate varied scenarios in which this phrase can be effectively used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

Focuses on the act of arriving at an agreement rather than resolving the details.

finalize an agreement

Emphasizes the completion and formalization of the agreement.

conclude an agreement

Highlights the termination or completion of negotiations leading to an agreement.

broker an agreement

Suggests the involvement of a mediator in facilitating the agreement.

negotiate an agreement

Focuses on the process of discussion and compromise to reach an agreement.

establish an agreement

Emphasizes the creation and initial setup of the agreement.

draw up an agreement

Highlights the drafting and formal preparation of the agreement.

execute an agreement

Focuses on the legal signing and implementation of the agreement.

ratify an agreement

Emphasizes the formal approval and confirmation of the agreement.

close an agreement

Indicates the successful completion and closure of all terms within the agreement.

FAQs

What does it mean to "settle an agreement"?

To "settle an agreement" means to finalize the terms and conditions, often resolving any outstanding disputes or disagreements to reach a conclusive arrangement. It implies that all parties have come to a mutual understanding and are ready to formally accept the agreement.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "settle an agreement"?

The phrase "settle an agreement" is suitable when negotiations have concluded, and all parties are ready to formalize the terms. It's often used in legal, business, or diplomatic contexts where finalizing arrangements is crucial.

Are there alternatives to "settle an agreement"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "reach an agreement", "finalize an agreement", or "conclude an agreement" depending on the specific context.

How does "settle an agreement" differ from "negotiate an agreement"?

"Negotiate an agreement" refers to the process of discussing and bargaining to reach an understanding, while "settle an agreement" implies that the negotiation phase is complete, and the final terms are being confirmed and accepted. Negotiation is the lead up to settling.