settle difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to resolving or addressing problems or challenges in a situation. Example: "The team worked together to settle difficulties that arose during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She helps him settle difficulties having to do with his leaving the world, and he helps her with difficulties in her life.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In an Australian sample Giallo and colleagues [ 13] found the mothers of young children (0 4 years) with sleep and settling difficulties had an increased risk of experiencing high levels of fatigue, with the potential for adverse impacts upon their daily functioning, parenting and later child outcomes.

BMC Pediatrics

He did his utmost to settle these difficulties by negotiation, but in 1739 he was forced to declare war against Spain the so-called War of Jenkins Earr.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I expect Mr. Giuliani to bow out of this race, regain his health, settle the difficulties in his personal life and then come back, renewed, to run in some future campaign.

The New York Times

Compared with control group infants, intervention group infants had significantly fewer settling difficulties (21% vs. 39%, p = 0.03), significantly fewer night awakenings (23% woke two or more times per night vs. 46%, p = 0.02) and significantly better cumulative sleep scores overall (22% met criteria for a severe sleep problem vs. 39%, p = 0.03).

BMC Pediatrics

I'm saying two weeks from the time we settle all the difficulties.

The New Yorker

During the conceptual design of the aerodynamic missile with multiple loadings, both the multilevel sequential programming approach and the compromising programming method are coupled together to settle the associated difficulties when the whole structure of the missile body is considered as a pre-defined design domain.

Aerospace Science and Technology

After the roller-coaster ride of the past few years, Liverpool will settle for a difficulty like that.

Independent

Mr. Weissman's lawyer, Glenn Colton, said his client had been persuaded by ill health and financial difficulties to settle, rather than by evidence that the painting was a forgery.

The New York Times - Arts

They told Mr. Milosevic through his intermediaries that he had a few days to renounce power and leave the country without difficulty, to settle where he would, but that if he delayed, he could face arrest and a trial in The Hague on war crimes charges.

The New York Times

Only by listening to those fears can we demonstrate understanding for the difficulties settled communities experience in adjusting and move beyond the fears to secure tolerance and harmony.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle difficulties", ensure the context clearly indicates who is resolving the problems and what the difficulties involve.

Common error

Avoid using "settle difficulties" when the situation requires a more forceful or decisive action. This phrase suggests a more amicable resolution rather than a firm intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle difficulties" functions as a verb phrase, where "settle" is the verb and "difficulties" is the direct object. This construction indicates the action of resolving or addressing problems. Ludwig AI provides examples from various sources that demonstrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle difficulties" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for resolving problems or disagreements. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its usability in written English. It carries a neutral tone, suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. While alternatives like "resolve issues" or "address challenges" exist, "settle difficulties" specifically implies a negotiated or agreed-upon resolution. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies who is resolving the problems and what those problems are. Avoid using it when a more forceful action is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve issues

This alternative focuses on a more general term for problems, issues, while maintaining a similar level of formality.

sort out difficulties

This alternative maintains a similar level of formality and focuses on organizing or resolving the difficulties.

address challenges

This phrase uses "challenges" which implies a more proactive approach to dealing with difficulties.

iron out problems

This phrase is more informal and idiomatic, suggesting a smoothing out of difficulties.

overcome hurdles

This implies that the difficulties are obstacles that need to be conquered.

fix snags

This option is quite informal; "snags" implies minor difficulties.

smooth over differences

This phrase indicates a way of settling difficulties by reducing any visible signs of disagreement or tension.

mediate disagreements

This alternative focuses on resolving difficulties by facilitating communication and understanding between parties.

rectify troubles

This implies that the difficulties are errors or faults that need to be corrected.

defuse tensions

This expression suggests that the difficulties are causing or are caused by feelings of strain and can be reduced.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle difficulties" to describe resolving problems. For instance, "The mediator helped the parties settle difficulties in their contract negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "settle difficulties"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve issues", "address challenges", or "sort out difficulties" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "resolve difficulties" or "settle difficulties"?

"Resolve difficulties" and "settle difficulties" are often interchangeable, but "settle" implies a more negotiated or agreed-upon resolution, while "resolve" can suggest a more decisive solution. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "settling difficulties" and "addressing difficulties"?

"Settling difficulties" suggests finding a compromise or resolution that satisfies all parties, while "addressing difficulties" implies tackling the problems directly, which may not necessarily involve complete resolution or satisfaction.