settles down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settles down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something becoming calm, stable, or established after a period of activity or change. Example: "After years of traveling, she finally settles down in a small town to start a family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone settles down.

The Guardian - Travel

It finally settles down.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of that settles down.

The Guardian

The book wanders before it settles down.

The New York Times - Books

Maro settles down at the table.

The Guardian - Books

Then, once that's aired, Anderson settles down.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm hoping that the hatred settles down.

The Guardian

When the switch is turned off, it settles down.

The New Yorker

" I am hoping that the hatred settles down".

The New York Times

Eventually, when everybody settles down, it'll be better".

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone needs to see how that settles down first.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settles down" to describe a return to a normal or stable state after a period of disturbance or activity. For instance, after a storm, the sea "settles down".

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns with "settles down". It's incorrect to say "He settles himself down"; simply use "He settles down".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "settles down" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating a change in state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing a process of becoming calm, stable or established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "settles down" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes a transition to a calmer, more stable state. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it functions as an intransitive verb and maintains a generally neutral register. When using "settles down", ensure it agrees with the subject (singular vs. plural) and avoid incorrect reflexive pronouns. Alternatives like "calms down" or "establishes roots" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calms down

Focuses more on the emotional or behavioral aspect of becoming less agitated.

becomes calm

Emphasizes the emotional and mental state of serenity and peace.

becomes stable

Highlights the achievement of a steady and reliable condition.

finds stability

Highlights the act of searching for and discovering a state of equilibrium.

establishes roots

Emphasizes the act of forming lasting connections or a permanent residence.

comes to rest

Suggests a final state of being still after movement or activity.

gets comfortable

Implies a feeling of ease and relaxation in a new environment or situation.

gets used to

Focuses on the process of adapting to a new situation or environment.

relaxes

Stresses the reduction of tension and the increase of tranquility.

levels off

Used especially when referring to statistics or metrics.

FAQs

How can I use "settles down" in a sentence?

"Settles down" is a phrasal verb that can be used to describe someone or something becoming calm, stable, or established. For example: "After years of traveling, she finally "settles down" in a small town to start a family."

What's a good alternative to "settles down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "calms down", "establishes roots", or "becomes stable".

Is it correct to say "settles down" as opposed to "settle down"?

The correct form depends on the subject. "Settle down" is used for plural subjects or 'I' and 'you', while "settles down" is used for singular, third-person subjects (he, she, it).

What does it mean when someone "settles down" in life?

When someone ""settles down"", it generally means they are establishing a stable lifestyle, often including a long-term relationship, a permanent home, and a regular routine.