settle the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"settle the question" is correct and usable in written English.
This is typically used to refer to a situation in which the issue is resolved definitively. For example, "The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, settling the question of ownership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't settle the question.

Yale University

Carson conspicuously declined to settle the question.

The New Yorker

That will settle the question.

The New York Times

First, you had to settle the question of out.

The New Yorker

Within a year, additional data should settle the question.

The New York Times

Was there any other way to "settle the question"?

The New Yorker

The Providence meeting did not settle the question of superdelegates.

The Washington Post

Case and Deaton's scholarship does not settle the question.

The New Yorker

Theoretical analysis is still not able to settle the question of why they found this design preferable to other alternatives.

Games and Economic Behavior

Efforts to settle the question have focused on anatomical comparisons between fossils and living animals.

The New York Times - Science

And, unfortunately, there will be no new evidence to settle the question for a while.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settle the question" when you want to indicate a definitive resolution to an issue or debate, ensuring clarity and closure in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "settle the question" in very informal conversations or casual writing, as it can sound overly formal or serious. Consider more relaxed alternatives like "figure it out" or "sort it out" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "settle the question" is as a verb phrase acting upon a noun phrase. It describes the action of resolving or deciding something that is uncertain or disputed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle the question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the resolution of an issue or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, this phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for professional and academic environments. Alternatives such as "resolve the matter" and "determine the answer" offer similar meanings. When writing, it's best to use "settle the question" to highlight a definitive resolution, while avoiding its overuse in casual settings to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the matter

Replaces "question" with "matter", focusing on resolving a general issue.

determine the answer

Substitutes "settle" with "determine" and "question" with "answer", emphasizing the act of finding a solution.

decide the issue

Replaces "settle" with "decide" and "question" with "issue", highlighting the decision-making aspect.

resolve the problem

Focuses on resolving a specific problem rather than a general question.

clarify the situation

Emphasizes clarifying a situation rather than settling a question.

find a resolution

Shifts the focus to finding a solution or resolution.

reach a conclusion

Highlights the act of reaching a final conclusion.

answer the query

Replaces "question" with "query", maintaining a formal tone.

put the matter to rest

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the idea of resolving something definitively.

iron out the details

Focuses on resolving minor details to finalize something.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle the question" to indicate that something has been definitively resolved. For example, "The new data should "settle the question" of whether the treatment is effective."

What phrases are similar to "settle the question"?

Similar phrases include "resolve the matter", "determine the answer", or "decide the issue", all of which suggest a resolution to an issue.

Is it better to use "settle the question" or "answer the question"?

"Settle the question" implies a more definitive resolution, often after debate or uncertainty, while "answer the question" simply means providing an answer. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "settle the question" and "resolve the problem"?

"Settle the question" is typically used for debates or uncertainties, while "resolve the problem" suggests fixing a specific issue. "Settle the question" often involves clarifying or deciding on a particular point, while "resolve the problem" focuses on finding a solution.