settlements

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "settlements" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote an agreement or arrangement that resolves a dispute between two or more parties. For example, "After long negotiations, the two countries were able to come to a settlement that was satisfactory to both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If rural settlements today are, in the main, Potemkin villages, perhaps they are skirted by Potemkin hunts.

The Guardian

In settlements that lack toilets or electricity, 80% of the leopard attacks happen when people go out to answer nature's call after dark.

The Guardian

The leopards come close to human settlements looking for food, says SGNP wildlife researcher and conservationist Krishna Tiwari.

The Guardian

Illegal settlements - including nagars (settlements by non-indigenous people), padas (tribal settlements) and high-rise buildings - continue to swell in and around the park.

The Guardian

Since 2007, Detroit has paid out almost $27m in lawsuits and settlements costs related to police misconduct.

The Guardian

These were fortified settlements, established by various rulers between the 11th and 17th centuries, now swallowed by the sprawling city of today.

The Guardian

This week, two mortgage-crisis settlements hit the news: one potential and one official.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Palestinian officials are dismissive of the argument, saying there is no peace process to speak of and that Israel has done little to enhance Abbas's credibility by continuing to expand Jewish settlements and treating him with contempt.

The Guardian

Israel's prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has unequivocally ruled out the establishment of a Palestinian state as he vowed to strengthen construction of settlements in occupied east Jerusalem should he be re-elected on Tuesday.

The Guardian

It frantically lobbies against any Australian government criticising settlements.

The Guardian - Opinion

The whole settlement process has been corrupted, according to the Israeli opposition, with millions in government funds supporting the settlements, run by people who vote for the rightwing in Likud primaries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations, use "settlements" to refer to areas established in disputed territories. Ensure you provide context regarding the legality and international perception of these "settlements".

Common error

Be careful not to use "settlements" when you mean "agreements". "Settlements" typically refer to places where people establish residence, while "agreements" are arrangements between parties.

Linguistic Context

The term "settlements" primarily functions as a noun, typically in its plural form, referring to places where people have come to live or the act of establishing such places. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "settlements" functions primarily as a noun, often in its plural form, denoting places where people establish residence or the act of establishing such places. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and frequently used. It commonly appears in news and media, formal business contexts, and science-related discussions.

Usage ranges from neutral reporting on demographic changes to more formal discussions in academic and legal spheres. The phrase is frequently associated with international relations and land disputes, particularly in discussions about Israeli "settlements" or informal urban "settlements".

When using "settlements", consider the context carefully. Ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, whether referring to residential areas, agreements, or resolutions. While "colonies", "communities", and "habitations" offer similar meanings, they each carry distinct connotations.

Overall, "settlements" is a versatile term with a broad range of applications, requiring careful consideration of context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colonies

Refers specifically to areas established for habitation and governance in a new territory.

communities

Focuses on the social aspect of a group of people living in a specific area.

habitations

Emphasizes the act of living or dwelling in a particular place.

establishments

Highlights the act of setting up or founding a place or institution.

agreements

Focuses on resolutions or arrangements reached between parties.

resolutions

Highlights the act of resolving or settling a dispute or issue.

encampments

Refers to temporary places for lodging or setting up camp.

villages

Implies small, rural communities.

colonization

The act of establishing control over indigenous people of an area.

territories

Emphasizes the land or region under the control of a specific group.

FAQs

How can I use "settlements" in a sentence?

You can use "settlements" to describe areas where people establish residence, as in, "The expansion of Israeli "settlements" in the West Bank is a contentious issue."

What is the difference between "settlements" and "colonies"?

"Settlements" generally refer to any established community, while "colonies" specifically denote settlements established in a new territory, often with political ties to a parent country. They are both ways to explain the idea of "places of habitation".

Are Israeli "settlements" legal under international law?

The legality of Israeli "settlements" under international law is a complex and debated issue, with many considering them illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

What can I say instead of "settlements" when referring to agreements?

When referring to agreements, you can use words like "compromises", "resolutions", or "arrangements" depending on the specific context.