settle the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle the point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or resolve a specific issue or argument in a discussion or debate. Example: "After much discussion, we finally managed to settle the point regarding the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But Mr. Shiller showed that actual stock prices fluctuated much more than any possible rational forecast of prospective profits; he thought that this "excess volatility" result would settle the point.

The New York Times

Since Hoffman is a musician, and he and Segrest have both written for such magazines as Blues Access, they must have the expertise to settle the point; as biographers, they certainly have the obligation.

The New York Times - Books

It is not and it needs a concerted police and intelligence operation (the army, too, needs to get off the fence) against all jihadis to settle the point of who runs the country's most populous province.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others scholars point out that just because the Quran acknowledges slavery and early Muslims, including the Prophet, practiced it doesn't mean Muslims must always do so; indeed, the fact that slavery is illegal and no longer practiced in nearly all majority-Muslim societies would seem to settle the point.

Huffington Post

The foremost requirement for exploring and developing any subject is to settle the point which is to be browsed,extolled and expounded.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Obama himself never really settled the point.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Duke of York settled the point.

The New Yorker

He has a way of biting off the ends of his sentences that makes them sound definitive as if the argument was settled, the point self-evident.

The New Yorker

-JONATHAN SWIFT Sir, there is no settling the point of precedency between a louse and a flea.

Forbes

The Swans were defeated 1-0 by Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium as a freak Andrey Arshavin goal settled the points in the first half.

BBC

But the rocket, he said, did not settle the question of point of manufacture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settle the point" when you want to convey a sense of finality in resolving a specific issue or argument. It's suitable for situations where a decision or clarification is needed to move forward.

Common error

Avoid using "settle the point" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or assertive in everyday interactions. Opt for simpler phrases like "figure it out" or "sort it out" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle the point" functions as a declarative expression, typically used to indicate the resolution or clarification of a specific issue, argument, or question. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from academic discussions to political standoffs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle the point" is a phrase used to denote the resolution or clarification of a specific issue or argument. Ludwig AI confirms it’s considered grammatically correct, although uncommon in frequency. The phrase is primarily found in news and media and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's important to consider the context and avoid overusing the phrase in informal situations. Alternative phrases, such as "resolve the issue" or "clarify the matter", may be more suitable depending on the tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the issue

Focuses on finding a solution or decision to a problem.

clarify the matter

Emphasizes making something clearer and more understandable.

determine the outcome

Highlights establishing the final result or consequence of something.

decide the question

Implies reaching a conclusion or verdict on a specific inquiry.

conclude the debate

Suggests bringing an argument or discussion to an end.

resolve the dispute

Indicates solving a disagreement or conflict.

establish the truth

Focuses on confirming what is factual or accurate.

ascertain the facts

Implies finding out or verifying specific details.

clear up the confusion

Highlights removing ambiguity or uncertainty.

set straight the record

Emphasizes correcting misinformation or inaccuracies.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle the point" to indicate the resolution of a specific issue. For example, "After a long discussion, we managed to settle the point about the project's budget".

What are some alternatives to "settle the point"?

Alternatives include "resolve the issue", "clarify the matter", or "determine the outcome", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "settled the point" instead of "settle the point"?

"Settled the point" is the past tense form, used when the resolution has already occurred. "Settle the point" is used when discussing the act of resolving something in the future or present.

What's the difference between "settle the point" and "settle the matter"?

"Settle the point" typically refers to resolving a specific argument or issue, while "settle the matter" is broader and can refer to resolving any outstanding concern or situation.