settle debts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle debts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of paying off or resolving financial obligations. Example: "In order to improve his credit score, he decided to settle debts that had been outstanding for several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Russia wants Ukraine to settle debts and pay in advance for future deliveries.

The Economist

Because the sale, in Paris next week, is to settle debts, prices are very low.

The Guardian

It is not uncommon, especially in rural areas, for families to trade daughters into marriage or prostitution to settle debts.

The New York Times

After weeks of mostly unsuccessful negotiations with creditors to settle debts, Mr. Orr recommended a bankruptcy filing to Mr. Snyder this week.

The New York Times

Retirees turning their back on the housing market in the pursuit of ready cash to settle debts are paying the price in accommodation costs, the latest figures suggest.

Independent

The karum itself, known as Kanesh, resembled a chamber of commerce, with authority to fix prices, settle debts, and arrange transport.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

And the irony, the same creditors settle debt every single day with others, including the consumer directly.

Huffington Post

"The justice system is settling debts it had with indigenous people and society for grave human rights violations," he said.

The Guardian

Baltimore officials have threatened to cancel next year's race unless, by Dec. 31, the promoter settled debts to the city totaling $1.5 million.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Green claims Rangers have paid off or settled debts due to non-Scottish clubs.

BBC

"Tricount simplifies settling debts in a group, typically when going on a holiday with friends, or for people living together.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing debt resolution, be specific about the method used to "settle debts", such as payment in full, debt consolidation, or negotiation with creditors. Providing context helps to clarify the situation and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "settle debts" with the opposite action, which is accruing or accumulating debt. Use "settle debts" only when referring to the act of paying off or resolving financial obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle debts" functions as a verb phrase, where "settle" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object (debts). It describes the action of resolving or paying off financial obligations. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle debts" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe the act of resolving financial obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, consider the specific method of debt resolution to provide clarity. Avoid confusing it with "accrue debts", which has the opposite meaning. Alternatives such as "pay off debts" or "clear debts" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "settle debts" is a versatile and well-understood phrase for discussing financial resolutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pay off debts

Focuses specifically on the act of paying the full amount owed.

Clear debts

Suggests removing or eliminating debts entirely.

Discharge debts

Implies a legal or formal release from the obligation to pay.

Resolve debts

Indicates finding a solution to deal with outstanding debts, not necessarily full payment.

Liquidate debts

Involves converting assets into cash to pay off debts.

Service debts

Highlights the act of making regular payments on debts, often over time.

Extinguish debts

A more formal and less common way of saying to eliminate debts.

Honor financial obligations

Emphasizes the moral responsibility of paying what is owed.

Meet financial commitments

Implies fulfilling all required financial responsibilities, including debts.

Satisfy obligations

Similar to 'honor financial obligations', but can include other types of duties.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle debts" in a sentence like: "The company is working hard to "settle debts" and improve its financial standing", or "They sold their house to "settle debts" accumulated over the years".

What are some alternatives to saying "settle debts"?

Some alternatives to "settle debts" include "pay off debts", "discharge debts", or "clear debts", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "settle debts" or "alleviate debts"?

"Settle debts" implies a complete resolution, whereas "alleviate debts" "alleviate debts" suggests reducing the burden without necessarily eliminating the debt entirely. The best choice depends on whether the goal is full payment or partial relief.

What's the difference between "settling debts" and "managing debts"?

"Settling debts" implies resolving or paying off existing debts, while "managing debts" involves strategies for handling and controlling debt levels over time. "Managing debts" might include budgeting, consolidation, or repayment plans.