settle an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to resolving a disagreement or problem. Example: "The committee met to settle an issue that had been causing tension among the members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's a little hard to settle an issue like this when someone puts deer to bleed in front of your house," he said.

The New York Times

During minor disagreements on the playgrounds, some people mentioned bringing their triad friends down to settle an issue, but this was usually said in a humorous manner – and never taken seriously.

Independent

"The issue is whether we as a society, as a government, as a country, should authorize the use of force to go into a family home to settle an issue about custody," said Senator Connie Mack, Republican of Florida.

The New York Times

Mr. Carter used his triumphant return to Alaska this week to urge President Clinton to settle an issue left unresolved when the act was passed: whether to allow oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The New York Times

Each negotiator has their own goals and priorities and they earn or lose points depending on how they resolve and settle an issue.

Science Magazine

Just days before her school's closure, Everest paralegal student Tiffany Contreras went to the financial aid office to settle an issue with her credits.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The difficulty of settling an issue so deeply rooted in Muslim and Jewish faith and identity is not to be minimized.

The New York Times

Mao Zedong elevated violent revolution to the level of a universal truth: "The seizure of power by armed force, settling an issue by act of war, is the central task and the highest form of revolution.

The New York Times

"It just settles an issue that, while it was outstanding and ambiguous, created a cloud of uncertainty," said Alan Patricof, a venture capitalist who is a donor to Mrs. Clinton's campaign.

The New York Times

Two years ago a modest breakthrough was made in this quest, after it was shown that it works for seven infinite cigarettes (or cylinders), settling an issue raised 45 years before that.

Huffington Post

It would require negotiations to settle a number of outstanding issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle an issue", ensure the context implies a resolution or agreement. Avoid using it when the goal is merely to discuss or analyze the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "settle an issue" when the situation only involves discussing or acknowledging a problem without concrete steps toward resolution. Use phrases like "address the issue" or "examine the problem" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle an issue" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of resolving a problem or disagreement. It suggests reaching a conclusion or agreement that puts an end to the matter. Ludwig AI validates this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle an issue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote resolving a problem or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity with ample examples. It's found across a range of contexts from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context implies actual resolution, rather than mere discussion. Alternatives like "resolve a problem" or "address a concern" can be used to nuance the intended meaning. Mastering its usage involves recognizing when a situation calls for a conclusive resolution versus simple attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve a problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", focusing on the problematic aspect.

address a concern

Substitutes "settle" with "address" and "issue" with "concern", emphasizing attention to a worry.

sort out a difficulty

Uses "sort out" instead of "settle" and "difficulty" instead of "issue", suggesting a process of organization and resolution of a challenge.

iron out a disagreement

Replaces "settle" with "iron out" and "issue" with "disagreement", highlighting the smoothing over of conflicting opinions.

resolve a dispute

Swaps "settle" with "resolve" and "issue" with "dispute", indicating a formal or legal resolution of a conflict.

fix a problem

Replaces "settle" with "fix" and "issue" with "problem", offering a simpler and more direct solution.

clear up a matter

Uses "clear up" instead of "settle" and "matter" instead of "issue", emphasizing clarification and resolution.

reconcile a difference

Substitutes "settle" with "reconcile" and "issue" with "difference", focusing on bringing opposing sides into agreement.

rectify a situation

Replaces "settle" with "rectify" and "issue" with "situation", indicating a correction of an undesirable state.

take care of a problem

Uses "take care of" instead of "settle" and "problem" instead of "issue", suggesting a comprehensive approach to resolution.

FAQs

What does "settle an issue" mean?

To "settle an issue" means to resolve a problem, argument, or disagreement, often by reaching an agreement or making a decision.

What can I say instead of "settle an issue"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve a problem", "address a concern", or "sort out a difficulty" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "settle an issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "settle an issue" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing business, legal, or political matters where a clear resolution is needed.

How does "settle an issue" differ from "address an issue"?

"Settle an issue" implies finding a final resolution, while "address an issue" suggests dealing with or discussing it without necessarily resolving it.