settle the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle the matter" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to reach an agreement and end a dispute or discussion about something. For example: "Let's try to settle the matter and come to a compromise so that we can move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How to settle the matter?

MIT Technology Review

That should settle the matter.

The Guardian

But does this really settle the matter ?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Only the Supreme Court can settle the matter.

The Economist

The final tally would settle the matter.

The New York Times

Above all, money will settle the matter.

The Guardian

That seemed to settle the matter.

The New York Times

The commission offered to settle the matter for $2,500.

The New York Times

Villaseñor proposes to settle the matter with another horse race.

The New York Times - Books

Mr Rodriguez set out to settle the matter.

The Economist

It agreed to settle the matter to avoid litigation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settle the matter" when you want to convey a sense of finality and resolution to a dispute or uncertainty. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "settle the matter" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations where simpler phrases like "sort it out" or "deal with it" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle the matter" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of resolving or concluding something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show its use in diverse contexts from legal disputes to personal disagreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle the matter" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the resolution of a dispute, problem, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples from diverse sources such as news outlets, academic papers, and encyclopedias highlight its widespread usage. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's essential to avoid overusing it in extremely casual settings. Related phrases like "resolve the issue" and "come to an agreement" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the specific context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it broadly applicable across various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the issue

Focuses specifically on finding a solution to a problem or contentious point.

conclude the discussion

Emphasizes bringing a conversation or debate to an end.

reach a consensus

Highlights the process of achieving agreement among multiple parties.

come to an agreement

Focuses on the act of parties finding common ground and aligning their views.

decide on a resolution

Implies a formal decision-making process leading to a solution.

find a solution

Emphasizes the act of discovering an answer to a problem.

put an end to the dispute

Highlights the termination of a disagreement or conflict.

finalize the decision

Indicates that a decision has been made and is now complete.

determine the outcome

Focuses on establishing the result or conclusion of a situation.

bring the matter to a close

Suggests completing or concluding a specific issue or topic.

FAQs

What does "settle the matter" mean?

The phrase "settle the matter" means to resolve a dispute, problem, or uncertainty, often leading to a final decision or agreement.

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

You can use it like this: "The court's decision helped to settle the matter." or "Let's discuss this further and settle the matter amicably."

What can I say instead of "settle the matter"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve the issue", "come to an agreement", or "find a solution" depending on the context.

Is "settle the matter" formal or informal?

"Settle the matter" is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, making it a versatile phrase for various situations.