settled matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"settled matter" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something that has been decided and is not likely to be revisited or changed. For example, "The dispute between the two parties was a settled matter; both agreed that the agreement would not be amended further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

QUESTION FROM JOHN HEITMAN: An issue in controversy is anything but a settled matter.

The New Yorker

The immutability of sexual orientation is hardly a settled matter — just ask Anne Heche.

The New Yorker

There are numerous lines of evidence that point to human causation even if it is not a completely settled matter.

The Guardian

It was then reported that Corbyn's communications chief had amended the speech on the autocue moments before delivery, blurring the line on whether Trident is now a settled matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a generally settled matter of law that, outside a few narrow exceptions, a party subject to an arbitration agreement cannot challenge the arbitration process in court until all internal remedies have been extinguished.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Another Steven, MacLean, later settled matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Two left-handers, Smith and Rudolph, then settled matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Celtic should have all but settled matters before the break.

The Guardian - Sport

One goal, a penalty from Zidane, settled matters.

The Guardian - Sport

He settled matters with Great Britain in a treaty signed on June 5, 1926.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The peoples' court, he said, settled matters like family squabbles and disputes among neighbors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settled matter" when you want to convey that a decision or agreement is final and not open for further discussion or debate. It adds a sense of closure and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "settled matter" prematurely in situations where discussions are still actively evolving or where new information could potentially change the outcome. This can create a perception of inflexibility or unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

"Settled matter" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object, indicating something is no longer open for discussion or alteration. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage and provides examples of its application in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settled matter" is a grammatically sound and formally acceptable way to communicate that a topic or decision is finalized and no longer subject to change. While Ludwig's AI indicates its correctness, its uncommon usage suggests that being mindful of context and choosing alternatives like "resolved issue" or "decided question" may improve clarity in certain situations. The primary contexts where it appears are News & Media and Encyclopedias, reinforcing its role in conveying established information. It is important to avoid using it prematurely, especially in open discussions, to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolved issue

Implies a problem has been addressed and concluded, focusing on the resolution process.

decided question

Highlights that a decision has been made, emphasizing the act of choosing between options.

concluded affair

Suggests a matter is finished, often carrying a connotation of complexity or importance.

closed case

Often used in legal contexts, indicating the end of an investigation or trial.

finished business

Implies that a task or responsibility has been completed.

an agreed-upon point

Highlights the consensus achieved, emphasizing the agreement between parties.

a non-issue

Indicates that something is no longer a problem or cause for concern.

something that's been put to bed

Informal expression meaning something has been dealt with and is no longer a concern.

a done deal

Emphasizes that an agreement is finalized and irreversible.

case closed

A more emphatic way of saying closed case, suggesting no further discussion is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "settled matter" in a sentence?

You can use "settled matter" to indicate that an issue has been decided and is no longer up for debate. For example, "The court's decision made the ownership of the property a "resolved issue"".

What are some alternatives to saying "settled matter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "decided question", "resolved issue", or "closed case". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is "settled matter" the same as "settled issue"?

While similar, "settled matter" often implies a broader scope or more significant decision than "settled issue". A "settled issue" might refer to a specific point within a larger discussion, whereas "settled matter" suggests the entire subject is resolved.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "settled matter"?

It's appropriate when a decision has been officially made, all parties have agreed, and there's no expectation of further changes or challenges. Using it prematurely can be seen as dismissive.