settle something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to resolving a dispute, issue, or question. Example: "They need to settle something before moving forward with the project." Alternative expressions include "resolve an issue" and "address a matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It might settle something.

The New York Times - Sports

Wales never let an anxious and tentative England side settle, something Robson admitted after the match, and the visitors only threatened Neville Southall's goal once.

The Guardian - Sport

And she shared an error of her own, produced when a delegate spoke of the need to settle something "avant Milan" – 'before Milan', the city being the venue for a forthcoming meeting.

BBC

Dear Society, Let's settle something once and for all: Boys are allowed to have feelings, too.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Either way, don't be impulsive, let the dust settle, somethings Brexit won't change, the health of football is one of them.

Forbes

Or taken credit for settling something that's long since been settled.

The Washington Post

That represents a tsunami of estates that will need to be settled, something about which many people are in denial.

The New York Times

In the US and Europe, the question about what to do with Russia is far from settled, something Putin is likely to continue to exploit.

The Guardian

But when the dust settled, something happened: Garner seemed happier than ever.

HuffPost

Once the shock settled, something hit him: the city needed a new kind of food tour, one that celebrates the cuisine of the nations targeted by the ban.

Huffington Post

C.M. Wright coach Jon Stefanides liked how his team rebounded after the shaky beginning and was proud of the way they stayed settled, something that had been an issue occasionally.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being resolved or decided. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject of the settlement.

Common error

Avoid using "settle something" without clearly specifying what needs to be settled. For example, instead of saying "We need to settle something", specify "We need to settle the contract terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle something" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating the action of resolving, deciding, or concluding a particular matter or issue. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from sports outcomes to societal discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle something" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to express the act of resolving or deciding on a matter. As Ludwig points out, it is found in varied contexts, primarily in news and media outlets. To avoid ambiguity, specifying the subject of the settlement is crucial. While this phrase is acceptable, exploring synonyms like "resolve an issue" or "conclude a matter" can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage, making it a reliable option for expressing resolution or decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem or conflict. It directly points to resolving the matter at hand.

come to a resolution

Highlights the achievement of an agreement or solution after a period of discussion or negotiation.

conclude a matter

Emphasizes the termination or completion of a discussion, debate, or issue.

reach a settlement

Typically used in legal or financial contexts to indicate an agreement to resolve a dispute.

decide on something

Highlights the act of making a choice or decision after considering different options.

determine something

Focuses on discovering or establishing something definitively, often through investigation or analysis.

sort something out

Implies dealing with a messy or confused situation to bring clarity and order.

straighten something out

Similar to 'sort out' but with a stronger emphasis on correcting errors or misunderstandings.

iron something out

Specifically refers to resolving small difficulties or inconsistencies to achieve a smoother outcome.

wrap something up

Focuses on finishing or finalizing a project, discussion, or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle something" to indicate resolving a dispute or making a final decision. For example, "The parties need to "resolve the matter" before proceeding" or "Let's "conclude this issue" and move on".

What are some alternatives to "settle something"?

Alternatives include "resolve an issue", "conclude a matter", "decide on something", and "determine something" depending on the context.

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

"Settle something" and "resolve something" are often interchangeable, but "resolve" might imply a more thorough solution to a problem, while "settle" can also mean to decide something, such as an argument, or agree on something. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What does it mean to "settle something once and for all"?

To "settle something once and for all" means to resolve an issue completely and permanently, preventing it from recurring in the future. It implies a decisive and final resolution.