settle upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate making a decision or coming to a conclusion about something after consideration. Example: "After much deliberation, we finally decided to settle upon the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But as Ms. Smirnova walked forward, a breathless hush seemed to settle upon the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

A compiler may settle upon a selection or arrangement that others have used; novelty is not required.

Harvard University

The knowledge that you are alone, without your Designated Mate, will settle upon you slowly and coldly.

The New Yorker

As we sat on the pitch long after the conclusion of the game the other night, an appreciation of what we had achieved began to settle upon us.

Independent

While several justices seemed to sympathise with Rabbi Ginsberg, they could not settle upon a legitimate legal mechanism for reinstating his miles.

The Economist

"As I watch from the outside, I do think that it's just very difficult for them to come to a place and settle upon it," Mr. Corker said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It settled upon him like condensation.

The New Yorker

251, it finally settled upon a general federal mineral policy.

Cornell University

By 1925 he settled upon prose as his main genre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company settled upon its present name in 1964.

The New Yorker

Tracing the glass with a finger, she settled upon another lion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settle upon" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful decision-making process, especially when choosing between multiple options.

Common error

While "settle upon" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "decide on" or "choose" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle upon" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating the action of making a final decision or agreement after considering various options. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle upon" is a verb phrase used to describe making a decision after careful consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While interchangeable with simpler options like "decide on" or "choose", "settle upon" often implies a more formal and thoughtful decision-making process. When writing, consider your audience and context to determine if the formality of "settle upon" is appropriate, or whether a simpler alternative would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide on

This phrase implies a choice has been made, similar to settling upon a decision.

choose

This term suggests a straightforward selection from available options, resembling a settlement.

select

Implies a deliberate choice, often involving careful consideration, much like settling upon something.

opt for

This phrase means to choose or pick out from a number of possibilities, similar to settling.

determine

This indicates a firm decision or conclusion, similar to having settled upon a decision.

conclude

This suggests arriving at a decision after some thought or debate, matching the idea of settling.

reach a decision

This phrase explicitly states the process of coming to a decision, similar to settling upon one.

agree on

Implies a mutual understanding and acceptance, closely related to settling upon a shared idea.

fix on

This phrase suggests focusing intently and then choosing something, similar to settling after examination.

come to a conclusion

This phrase suggests the end of a thought process, and is different because it is more formal than "settle upon".

FAQs

What does "settle upon" mean?

The phrase "settle upon" means to decide on something after considering different options or possibilities. It implies a deliberate and often thoughtful decision.

What can I say instead of "settle upon"?

You can use alternatives like "decide on", "choose", or "select depending on the context.

Is it better to say "settle on" or "settle upon"?

"Settle on" and "settle upon" are often interchangeable. However, "settle upon" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate decision-making process.

How do I use "settle upon" in a sentence?

You can use "settle upon" to describe a decision. For example, "After much deliberation, the committee "agreed on" and "settle upon" the new marketing strategy."