settle the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'settle the argument' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express that two opposed sides have reached agreement. For example: After a lengthy debate, the team was able to settle the argument and come to a consensus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Can you settle the argument for us?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The document is unlikely to settle the argument.

The New York Times

On the face of things, money could settle the argument.

The New York Times

Big Topsy's quick death helped to settle the argument.

The Economist

Is that supposed to settle the argument, Mark?

The Guardian - Sport

Such a brief investigation won't settle the argument.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even some ardent pro-Europeans such as Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, now support a referendum on Europe, to settle the arguments once and for all.

The Guardian

Edward Heath, a Conservative prime minister, was about to announce a markedly unwise election based around the question of "Who runs Britain?" He was tired, he said, of the trade unions having too much power and he wanted to settle the arguments between government and workers once and for all.

The Guardian

A flat tax would not eliminate the need for spending control; it would not deal with the impending financial distress of Social Security and Medicare; it would not even settle the arguments about the so-called consumption tax (since in principle a flat tax could take as its base either all income, or income net of savings, in which case it would act as a consumption tax).

The Economist

That settled the argument.

The New Yorker

But real life is already settling the argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle the argument", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the argument is about and what method is being used to resolve it.

Common error

Avoid using "settle the argument" when you actually mean to 'win' or 'dominate' it. Settling implies compromise or resolution, not outright victory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle the argument" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of resolving a disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It implies a process or action taken to end a dispute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle the argument" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the resolution of a disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It appears frequently in various contexts, especially in news and media, as well as scientific and business settings. The phrase implies a process of negotiation, compromise, or the application of rules to end a dispute. While alternatives like "resolve the dispute" or "mediate the conflict" exist, "settle the argument" remains a versatile and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the dispute

Focuses on resolving a formal disagreement or conflict.

end the contention

Implies a more heated or prolonged disagreement.

mediate the conflict

Suggests the intervention of a neutral third party.

arbitrate the disagreement

Similar to mediate, but often implies a more formal or legal process.

reconcile the differences

Emphasizes restoring harmony after a disagreement.

find common ground

Highlights the process of identifying areas of agreement.

reach a consensus

Focuses on achieving unanimous agreement.

iron out the differences

Suggests a detailed and often challenging process of resolving discrepancies.

bring about a resolution

Emphasizes achieving an outcome that ends the disagreement.

quash the controversy

Implies suppressing a widespread public disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "settle the argument" in a sentence?

You can use "settle the argument" to describe a process of resolving a disagreement. For instance, "The mediator helped them "settle the argument" by finding common ground."

What's a good alternative to "settle the argument"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "resolve the dispute", "mediate the conflict", or "reach a consensus".

Is it better to "settle the argument" or "win the argument"?

The best approach depends on the situation. "Settle the argument" suggests a compromise and finding a resolution acceptable to all parties. "Win the argument" implies a competitive scenario where one side prevails over the other.

What's the difference between "settle the argument" and "avoid the argument"?

"Settle the argument" means to resolve an existing disagreement. "Avoid the argument" means to prevent a disagreement from happening in the first place.