settled the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

'settled the matter' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that a decision has been reached and that the matter has been dealt with. For example: After a long discussion, the two parties finally settled the matter, and agreed to move forward.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That usually settled the matter.

The New York Times

That settled the matter of group tours.

The New York Times - Travel

For them, that settled the matter.

The New Yorker

The family settled the matter privately.

The New York Times

And that settled the matter.

The New York Times

But this has already settled the matter.

Yale University

(Spanish scientists have not settled the matter).

The New York Times - Sports

DR. EXNER: Mr. President, this has already settled the matter.

Yale University

The parties settled the matter a short time later.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For de Bary, that settled the matter — and not the way Stanford had hoped.

Columbia University

It found that the exemption's text settled the matter by using the phrase "personal privacy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settled the matter" when you want to convey that a decision has been made, and the issue is now resolved. It implies a sense of finality.

Common error

While "settled the matter" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "settled the matter" is to act as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular issue, dispute, or question has been resolved or decided. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase appears in various declarative statements, affirming a conclusion or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settled the matter" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a resolution or decision has been reached. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academic writing, and formal business communications. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in very casual settings. When considering related phrases, "resolved the issue", "concluded the dispute", and "reached a resolution" offer similar meanings, providing options for varying your language. This phrase is a valuable tool for conveying closure and finality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolved the issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", maintaining the sense of resolving a problem.

reached a resolution

Focuses on the act of finding a solution.

concluded the dispute

Emphasizes the end of a disagreement or argument.

decided the question

Focuses on making a decision about a specific query or point.

brought to a close

Suggests a formal or official ending.

finalized the agreement

Highlights the completion of an agreement or contract.

fixed the problem

Indicates that a solution has been found and implemented.

put to rest

Implies a permanent end to the matter, often emotional or contentious.

cleared up the confusion

Suggests that something ambiguous or unclear has been resolved.

addressed the concern

Highlights the action of dealing with a specific worry or problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "settled the matter" to indicate that a decision has been reached or a dispute has been resolved. For instance, "After a lengthy negotiation, the parties finally "settled the matter" amicably".

What are some alternatives to "settled the matter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "resolved the issue", "concluded the dispute", or "reached a resolution".

Is "settled the matter" formal or informal?

"Settled the matter" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for professional, news, and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "settled the matter" and "resolved the matter"?

While similar, ""settled the matter"" often implies a more decisive or conclusive ending, while "resolved the matter" can suggest a solution that may not be entirely final.