settle the bill

USAGE SUMMARY

"settle the bill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you have paid or intend to pay a bill. For example, "I'm ready to settle the bill for the repairs on my car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I said I'd go settle the bill.

The New York Times

Of course we'd settle the bill later".

The Guardian - Books

We finish off the champagne and settle the bill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Respect has to be earned, and you never settle the bill.

The Guardian

It's not unusual to offer your card only to be greeted with a request to settle the bill in cash".

The Guardian - Travel

Has anyone ever actually managed to settle the bill in a restaurant by doing the washing up in lieu of payment?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Historians reckon that as early as the third century BC, Yunnan was part of a South-East Asian trade network that exchanged all manner of goods and used a common shell-based currency to settle the bills.

The Economist

I'd get a call saying, "Can you fly to Australia tomorrow for six weeks?" I'd pack in a hurry, settle the bills and then remember to tell my husband; now I get separation anxiety after a day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He settled the bill with the owner.

The New Yorker

Settling the bill may mean capital ratios have to be strengthened, but so what?

The Guardian - Business

James settles the bill, and they return to the clinic to collect the results of the tests.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "pay the invoice" instead of "settle the bill" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "set up the bill" when you mean to pay it. "Set up" typically refers to establishing a recurring payment arrangement, while "settle" means to pay the full amount owed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle the bill" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of paying or resolving a financial obligation. Ludwig provides examples from various sources, showcasing its common usage in everyday and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4%

The New York Times - Arts

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle the bill" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of paying an amount due. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While it's generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives like "pay the invoice" in professional contexts. Be mindful not to confuse "settle" with "set up". Overall, "settle the bill" effectively communicates the act of resolving a financial obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay the invoice

Replaces "bill" with "invoice", implying a more formal or itemized statement of charges.

clear the debt

Focuses on the debt aspect, suggesting a broader financial obligation being resolved.

discharge the balance

Uses more formal language to refer to paying off the remaining amount due.

take care of the tab

More informal, often used in restaurant or bar settings.

foot the bill

Indicates being responsible for paying the entire cost.

make a payment

A general term for submitting money towards an outstanding balance.

liquidate the account

Refers to closing an account by paying off all outstanding charges.

honor the payment

Emphasizes the act of fulfilling a financial obligation.

meet the financial obligation

A formal way of saying to fulfill a financial responsability.

remit the funds

Indicates sending money for payment, often internationally.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle the bill" to indicate the act of paying an amount due. For example, "I need to "settle the bill" before leaving the restaurant" or "The company agreed to "settle the bill" with the supplier".

What is a more formal way to say "settle the bill"?

Alternatives include "pay the invoice", "discharge the balance", or "remit the funds", which are suitable for professional or formal communication.

Is "settle the bill" the same as "pay the bill"?

While similar, "pay the bill" is more general. "Settle the bill" implies resolving or finalizing the payment, potentially after some discussion or negotiation.

What's the difference between "settle the bill" and "foot the bill"?

"Settle the bill" means to pay the amount due. "Foot the bill" means to be responsible for paying all the expenses, often for a group or event.