settle this question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle this question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to resolve or clarify a specific issue or inquiry. Example: "We need to settle this question before moving forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Australia, in particular, has been trying, and failing, to settle this question for many years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some legal scholars have said the state's supreme court might be called on again to settle this question.

The Guardian

James Ziglar, the United States commissioner of immigration, said he had not decided how to settle this question.

The New York Times

By this standard, it might well have been acquitted.How the justices settle this question of grammar will have big implications for lawyers.

The Economist

But people worried about their health needn't wait for scientists to settle this question before deciding that it might be wise to eat more plants and less meat.

The New York Times - Magazine

If we don't settle this question of free movement for the citizens of all EU member states before then, we'll be back in full third-country status".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The Supreme Court has not settled this question, and the Obama administration should not act as though it has.

The New York Times

Cameron said: "That must be a question for after the referendum, when Scotland has made its choice about the fundamental question of independence or for the United Kingdom, when Scotland has settled this question once and for all - and ended the uncertainty that could damage and hold back Scotland's prospects and potential".

Independent

One first step to making progress on this question is to see if what we believe already rationally settles this question.

SEP

Settling this question may be difficult in practice, but failure to recognize its significance mars a number of arguments offered in the present dispute.

SEP

"I saw some studies that claimed they were settling this question, and I had gathered data that spoke to quite a different explanation".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider using "settle this question once and for all" to convey a sense of finality and decisiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "settle this question" when the matter is complex and unlikely to be fully resolved. A more nuanced phrase like "address this question" or "explore this question" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle this question" functions as a call to action or statement of intent to resolve a specific inquiry or issue. It is commonly used to indicate that a topic requires a definitive answer or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle this question" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys the need to resolve or clarify a specific inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, primarily within news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. To avoid overstating certainty, consider using alternative phrases like "address this question" or "explore this question" when the matter is complex and unlikely to be fully resolved. Ensure the context clearly indicates the specific issue requiring resolution to enhance clarity. Overall, "settle this question" serves as an effective way to express the desire for a definitive answer or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve this question

Focuses on finding a solution or answer to the question.

address this question

Emphasizes the act of dealing with or discussing the question.

answer this question

Highlights the provision of an answer to the question.

determine this question

Stresses the act of finding out or establishing the answer.

decide this question

Focuses on making a decision or judgement regarding the question.

clarify this question

Emphasizes making the question clearer or more understandable.

investigate this question

Highlights a more in-depth examination or inquiry into the question.

explore this question

Suggests a broad and open-ended examination of the question.

examine this question

Focuses on a detailed inspection of the question.

tackle this question

Emphasizes dealing with a difficult or challenging question.

FAQs

What does "settle this question" mean?

The phrase "settle this question" means to definitively resolve or answer a particular issue or inquiry, bringing it to a conclusive end.

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

You can use "settle this question" when you want to convey the need to resolve something. For example: "We need to "settle this question" before making a decision."

What can I say instead of "settle this question"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve this question", "address this question", or "answer this question" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "settle this question" or "settle this issue"?

Both "settle this question" and "settle this issue" are correct, but "settle this question" specifically refers to resolving an inquiry, whereas "settle this issue" is broader and refers to resolving a general problem or matter.