settle this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle this" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used in the sense of coming to a mutual agreement or resolving a dispute, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: "Let's settle this disagreement amicably and find a compromise we can both agree on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please settle this dispute.

The New York Times - Magazine

Time will settle this argument.

The Washington Post

"I'm trying to settle this issue peacefully.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I still want to settle this thing"..

The New Yorker

The Hamdi decision should settle this case.

The New York Times

We have to settle this quickly.

The Washington Post

Let's settle this once and for all!

Britannica

"They both want to settle this.

The New York Times

They could finally settle this thing.

The Guardian - Film

I'll settle this score with them"...

The New York Times

"We need to settle this," Starmer said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair this phrase with adverbs like 'amicably', 'peacefully', or 'quickly' to clarify the manner of resolution.

Common error

Do not confuse "settle this" (resolving a matter) with the phrase 'settle for this'. The latter implies accepting something less than what was desired or expected, which can completely change the tone of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle this" functions as a transitive verb phrase consisting of the verb 'settle' and the demonstrative pronoun 'this'. According to Ludwig, it serves to indicate the resolution of a specific, previously mentioned issue, dispute, or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settle this" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase for indicating the final resolution of a matter. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across the most authoritative English-language publications, ranging from hard news to peer-reviewed scientific research. Whether you are discussing a legal case, a scientific disagreement, or a simple pizza preference, using "settle this" implies a transition from uncertainty to a definitive conclusion. It is a robust choice for any writer looking to express decisive action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve this

Implies finding a solution to a problem or conflict, often with a more formal tone.

solve this

Focuses on finding the correct answer to a puzzle or a technical problem.

finalize this

Suggests completing the final steps of an agreement or process.

put this to rest

An idiomatic way to express ending a long-standing debate or concern.

decide this

Focuses on the act of making a final judgment or choice.

reconcile this

Specifically used when two conflicting ideas or parties are brought into agreement.

straighten this out

A more informal way to describe resolving a misunderstanding or complication.

conclude this

Emphasizes the formal ending of a period of time or a specific task.

close this case

Commonly used in legal or investigative contexts to signify full resolution.

address this

Suggests dealing with a matter, though it may not imply a final resolution as strongly as settle.

FAQs

How to use settle this in a sentence?

You can use "settle this" to describe resolving a conflict, such as, 'We need to "resolve this" dispute immediately' or to end a debate, 'Let's "settle this" once and for all'.

What can I say instead of settle this?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resolve this", "solve this", or "finalize this".

Is settle this a formal phrase?

Yes, it is highly versatile. Ludwig shows it is used in prestigious outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian, as well as in scientific journals, making it appropriate for both professional and neutral registers.

What is the difference between settle this and settle for this?

To "settle this" means to bring a matter to a conclusion or resolution. To "settle for this" means to reluctantly accept something that is suboptimal or second-best.