Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
settled by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "settled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a matter or dispute has been resolved or determined by a specific person, group, or process. Example: "The disagreement was finally settled by the arbitration panel after several months of negotiations."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Arguments were settled by violence.
News & Media
It was settled by the Romans.
News & Media
The strike was settled by pay concessions.
News & Media
Inno Island was originally settled by pirates.
Encyclopedias
That was settled by the Civil War.
News & Media
They can't be settled by science alone.
News & Media
Age: Settled by the Phoenicians in 654BC.
News & Media
"It cannot be settled by a referendum".
News & Media
History of Horta, which was partly settled by the Flemish.
News & Media
Any dispute should be settled by peaceful, political means.
News & Media
Both of its matches were settled by Duckworth-Lewis.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "settled by," ensure the subject clearly indicates what was resolved or decided, and the object specifies the agent or method of resolution. For example, "The dispute was settled by mediation."
Common error
Avoid using "settled by" without a clear subject. Instead of saying "It was settled by...", specify what "it" refers to. For example, instead of "It was settled by the committee", say "The terms of the contract were settled by the committee."
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "settled by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the means or agent through which a resolution or decision is reached. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from legal disputes to historical events.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
30%
Encyclopedias
15%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "settled by" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the means or agent of a resolution. Ludwig AI highlights its widespread usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and history. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, users should ensure clarity in subject-verb agreement. Alternatives such as "resolved by" or "decided by" can provide nuanced variations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a reliable and effective choice for conveying how outcomes are determined.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
decided by
Emphasizes the act of making a final decision or judgment on something.
determined by
Highlights the influence or causation in reaching a specific conclusion.
resolved through
Focuses on the process of resolving, emphasizing the means by which a solution is achieved.
concluded by
Highlights the finality of a decision or agreement reached.
adjudicated by
Suggests a formal or legal judgment, often used in legal or official contexts.
governed by
Implies a rule-based or systematic resolution based on an established system.
negotiated by
Emphasizes the process of reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.
arranged by
Focuses on how something was organized or planned.
initially inhabited by
Focuses on the first inhabitants of a place.
first colonized by
Implies the establishment of a colony by a specific group or country.
FAQs
How can I use "settled by" in a sentence?
Use "settled by" to indicate that a dispute, agreement, or issue was resolved or decided by a particular person, group, or method. For instance, "The argument was "settled by the mediator"".
What are some alternatives to "settled by"?
Alternatives include phrases like "resolved by", "decided by", or "determined by", each conveying a similar sense of resolution or decision.
Is there a difference between "settled by" and "resolved by"?
While "settled by" and "resolved by" are largely interchangeable, "settled by" often implies a more formal or conclusive resolution, while "resolved by" can refer to a broader range of solutions.
Can "settled by" be used in both formal and informal contexts?
Yes, "settled by" is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. However, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "adjudicated by" or "determined by" for added precision.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested