settle once and for all

USAGE SUMMARY

"settle once and for all" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are emphasizing that a dispute, argument, or issue should be definitively resolved. Example: "Let's settle this matter once and for all so we can move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

This list will settle once and for all what Muslims in Britain can no longer do.

The Guardian

Can you settle once and for all the question of what shoes a man should wear in hot weather?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She undertook the war in order to settle once and for all this question, which had long hampered her foreign policy.

The New York Times

With the Model 3 Tesla also hopes to settle once and for all concerns about the limited range and long charging times of electric cars.

The Economist

"I hoped that the expedition would settle once and for all my doubts about who I was and what I could accomplish".

The New York Times - Books

And if a few more such events can be found, that should settle once and for all whether gamma-ray bursts are merely little local upheavals or the biggest noises in creation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I would really like to see this thing settled, once and for all, by the weekend".

The New York Times

The National Farmers Union said the victory had settled "once and for all" the political debate.

The Guardian

I wanted the nature-nurture debate settled once and for all — at least as far as I was concerned.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the justices are interested in settling, once and for all, the central question that has surrounded the post-Sept.

The New York Times

But that debate needs to be settled once and for all, preferably before the next crisis arrives.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the context justifies the definitive tone. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations where a conclusive resolution is genuinely intended.

Common error

Avoid using "settle once and for all" in situations where the resolution is not truly final or is subject to change. This can create a false sense of closure and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle once and for all" primarily functions as a qualifier, adding emphasis to the act of settling. It highlights the intention to resolve a matter definitively, as seen in Ludwig's examples from various news sources and academic papers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle once and for all" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the finality and conclusiveness of a resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to assure that a matter is resolved definitively. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by science and formal business settings, and its tone is generally neutral. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize that an issue is being resolved permanently, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve conclusively

Uses a more formal verb to emphasize the finality of the resolution.

decide definitively

Focuses on making a clear and unquestionable decision.

put to rest permanently

Emphasizes the lasting nature of resolving the issue.

end decisively

Highlights the act of bringing something to a firm end.

determine irrevocably

Stresses that the decision or resolution cannot be changed.

fix definitively

Focuses on correcting or resolving an issue with certainty.

seal the matter

An idiomatic expression suggesting the finality of a decision.

close the book on

An idiomatic expression meaning to end something completely.

nail down for good

Informal way to describe definitively resolving something.

iron out completely

Implies resolving all issues and ensuring a smooth conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "settle once and for all" in a sentence?

You can use "settle once and for all" when you want to express the idea of resolving a dispute or question definitively. For example, "The company needs to "resolve conclusively" this matter "settle once and for all" to avoid further complications."

What are some alternatives to "settle once and for all"?

Alternatives include phrases like "decide definitively", "put to rest permanently", or "end decisively". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "settle once and for all" in formal writing?

Yes, "settle once and for all" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the finality of a decision or resolution. However, consider the tone and formality of the overall piece, and choose alternatives like ""resolve conclusively"" if a more refined tone is desired.

What's the difference between "settle once and for all" and "settled"?

"Settled" simply indicates that something has been resolved. "Settle once and for all" adds a sense of finality and permanence to the resolution, suggesting that the issue is not expected to arise again.