settle debate

USAGE SUMMARY

'settle debate' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you disagree with someone and you want to come to a conclusion or agreement. For example: "Let's settle this debate once and for all, shall we?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Producing the "trump card" of science to settle debate is not healthy for a democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Scientists (sort of) settle debate on low-carb vs. low-fat diets," as The Washington Post put it.

The New York Times

Those sealed records may help settle debate about whether the wartime pope, Pius XII, could have done more to prevent the Holocaust.

The Washington Post

In my opinion, living a moral life guided by religious principles offers benefits to a person — and his family, friends, and community — that far outweigh the need to immediately settle debate and resolve every religious dilemma.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Q. Do people invoke the mission statement to settle debates? A. All the time.

The New York Times

The blog publishes screenshots and voice recordings that serve as a kind of universal citation in each new controversy, called upon to settle debates or explode myths.

The New York Times

"Economists love quantifying things," he said, "but there are so many possible interpretations, it doesn't settle debates as much as it opens up questions".

The New York Times - Books

One desideratum for a successful definition of mental illness is that it will settle debates over particular purported mental illnesses.

SEP

I'm having terrifying visions of people flashing these things at social outings to try to settle debates about who knows more on any given topic.

TechCrunch

Moreover, Syson does not accept that scientific evidence can conclusively settle debates over the authenticity of pictures such as the Isleworth Mona Lisa.

BBC

Courts are not the ideal forum for settling debates of conscience.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle debate", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the debate is about. Providing specific details strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "settled debate" is permanently resolved. New evidence or perspectives can always re-open previously concluded discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle debate" functions as a verb phrase where 'settle' is the verb and 'debate' is the noun. It indicates the action of resolving a disagreement. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle debate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the resolution of a disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds application across various domains, including news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, it's important to specify the context of the debate for clarity. Related phrases like "resolve the disagreement" or "conclude the discussion" can be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the disagreement

Focuses on the act of resolving the disagreement, emphasizing the end result.

end the dispute

Highlights bringing the dispute to a conclusion.

conclude the discussion

Implies reaching a final point in a discussion.

adjudicate the matter

Suggests a more formal or legalistic resolution.

determine the outcome

Emphasizes the determination of a result or consequence.

decide the issue

Focuses on making a decision regarding the issue at hand.

find common ground

Implies discovering shared beliefs, interests, or opinions.

reach a consensus

Emphasizes that all parties involved reaching an agreement.

mediate the conflict

Highlights intervening in a conflict to help find a solution.

arbitrate the difference

Suggests submitting a difference to arbitration for resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle debate" to indicate an action taken to resolve a disagreement. For example, "The new data helped "settle the debate" among scientists."

What are some alternatives to saying "settle debate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "resolve the disagreement", "end the dispute", or "conclude the discussion", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "settle debate" or "settle the debate"?

Both are correct, but "settle the debate" is more common when referring to a specific, previously mentioned debate. "Settle debate" can be used more generally.

What does it mean to "settle debate"?

To "settle debate" means to resolve a disagreement or dispute, often by providing evidence, reaching a compromise, or making a decision that is accepted by most parties involved.