settle the account

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle the account" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of resolving or paying off a financial obligation or debt. Example: "Before we can proceed with the new project, we need to settle the account from the previous contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I'm sure we'll find a way to settle the account," a shopkeeper says, with a smirk, as she covets a new parasol and a feathered hat.

The New Yorker

So in September, Miraval gave the developer one month to settle the account, and the developer chose not to continue the partnership.

The New York Times

I told her I'd settle the account immediately upon receipt of the bill and, after accepting her condolences, we ended the call.

The New York Times

In those circumstances, it would not take long for the Iranian people and our movement to, if you like, settle the account and rid the world of the growing menace from Iran".

Independent

Before they can leave, word comes that Frank Miller, a desperado whom Kane was responsible for putting behind bars, is on his way back to town to settle the account.

The New York Times

It took so long for the legal system to settle the account of the man who now admits the stabbing that today's Crown Heights teenagers barely know of the disorder it helped spark.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He then returned to England permanently to settle the accounts, which took until 1820.

Wikipedia

In settling the account the teller had inadvertently given me four mao, about seven cents, too much.

The New York Times

If (Tle M), then the retailer settles the account at time (M) and there is no interest charge in stock during the whole cycle.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

If (Tge M), then the retailer settles the account at time (M) and pays for the interest charges on items in stock with rate (I_{rm c}) over the interval ([M,T]).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Because, in practice for encouraging the retailer to buy more, the supplier will allow a fixed period of time for settling the account and will not charge any amount from the retailer.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle the account" in business writing, ensure clarity on the payment method and any applicable deadlines.

Common error

Avoid using "settle the account" when referring to resolving non-financial disputes. It is specifically for financial obligations, not disagreements or conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle the account" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of resolving a financial obligation or debt. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle the account" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase referring to the act of resolving a financial obligation. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, it conveys a clear meaning and has several alternatives like ""pay off the debt"" or ""clear the balance"". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with its financial context and avoid applying it to non-monetary disputes. Remember to clarify payment methods and deadlines for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay off the debt

This alternative emphasizes the action of fully paying what is owed.

clear the balance

This focuses on reducing the outstanding amount to zero.

discharge the obligation

This is a more formal way of saying to fulfill a commitment.

resolve the invoice

This specifically refers to settling a bill or invoice.

square the bill

This implies making sure the bill is correctly paid.

liquidate the debt

This suggests converting assets into cash to pay off the debt.

close out the books

This relates to finalizing financial records by settling outstanding amounts.

satisfy the claim

This means fulfilling a legal or contractual requirement to settle a debt.

make payment

This is a general term for providing the money due.

reconcile the difference

This focuses on resolving discrepancies to settle a final amount.

FAQs

What does "settle the account" mean?

To "settle the account" means to pay off or resolve a financial debt or obligation. It implies finalizing a transaction by making the required payment.

How do I use "settle the account" in a sentence?

You can use it in sentences like, "We need to "pay off the debt" by the end of the month" or "The company agreed to "clear the balance" before the deadline."

What's the difference between "settle the account" and "settle the accounts"?

"Settle the account" typically refers to a single, specific financial obligation, whereas "settle the accounts" often implies resolving multiple or a series of financial obligations.

Are there formal alternatives to "settle the account"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "discharge the obligation", "liquidate the debt", or "satisfy the claim", which are suitable for legal or business contexts.