settle matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle matters" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to resolving disputes, issues, or conflicts. Example: "After much discussion, we were finally able to settle matters and reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That would settle matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Referendums settle matters definitively, right?

The Guardian - Business

It took 19 more games to settle matters.

The New York Times - Sports

Hundreds died before northerners decided to settle matters militarily.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Murray slams down a service bomb to settle matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Failure to settle matters rapidly will have consequences for Argentina.

The Guardian - Business

Uncertainty gripped Italy, and presidential elections held in April 2013 initially did little to settle matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These primaries couldn't settle matters; there were not enough delegates in play to nominate a candidate.

The New Yorker

The Security Council, which under the charter is supposed to settle matters of war and peace?

The Economist

None of this will be true next time round.Moreover, referendums seldom settle matters.

The Economist

Finally, Zebra, that preserver of traditional alphabet harmony, finds a way to settle matters — amicably.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle matters" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity; specify what "matters" are being settled.

Common error

Avoid using "settle matters" without specifying what the matters are. Being specific enhances clarity and avoids confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle matters" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of resolving disputes, finalizing agreements, or concluding discussions. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from sports to politics, to indicate bringing something to a resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle matters" is a versatile and commonly used expression for indicating the resolution of disputes or the conclusion of discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and science contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify what "matters" are being settled. For alternative expressions, consider options like "resolve issues" or "bring to a conclusion", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve issues

Focuses on the act of finding a solution to specific problems.

resolve conflicts

Specifically addresses disagreements or disputes that need to be settled.

sort things out

A more informal way of saying to resolve problems and clarify situations.

iron out differences

Highlights the smoothing away of disagreements to reach an agreement.

bring to a conclusion

Emphasizes ending or finalizing something, often a discussion or process.

wrap up proceedings

Suggests the formal closing of a meeting, trial, or set of actions.

put to rest

Implies ending something definitively, especially a doubt or concern.

determine the outcome

Focuses on deciding or establishing the final result of an event or situation.

reach a decision

Highlights the point of arriving at a judgment or agreement.

bring closure to

Indicates the act of completing a process to find a sense of ending.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle matters" to describe resolving disputes, finalizing agreements, or concluding discussions. For example, "The diplomats met to "resolve conflicts" and "settle matters" peacefully."

What are some alternatives to "settle matters"?

Alternatives include "resolve issues", "sort things out", or "bring to a conclusion", depending on the specific context.

Is "settle matters" formal or informal?

"Settle matters" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "resolve issues" or "conclude discussions".

What is the difference between "settle matters" and "address concerns"?

"Settle matters" implies resolving existing disputes or bringing things to a conclusion, while "address concerns" focuses on acknowledging and dealing with worries or issues that people have.