settles on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settles on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a decision or conclusion reached after consideration or deliberation. Example: "After much discussion, the committee finally settles on the new policy for employee benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Whatever Nvidia settles on, it is unlikely to be below Ouya's $99 £611) price point.

BBC

She settles on Chris almost immediately.

Wikipedia

We'll have to wait and see where this one settles on the price-point scale.

TechCrunch

Once the dust settles on this adventure, thoughts will turn to the next one in 2017.

BBC

Still, everyone settles on a style.

The New Yorker

Finally he settles on uncertainty.

The Guardian

His hooded eye settles on tremulous Nina.

The Guardian - Film

Like mist that settles on the mountains.

The New York Times

But slowly, realisation settles on the family.

The Guardian - Books

But even after he settles on something, he often reconsiders.

The New York Times

Rosberg rounds La Rascasse and settles on to the grid.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settles on", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject is making a choice or reaching a conclusion after considering various options. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "settles on" excessively in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "decides upon" or "determines" often lend a more professional tone. Consider the overall formality of your piece and choose accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settles on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb with a preposition, indicating the action of making a final decision or choice after considering alternatives. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples where the phrase is used to denote selection or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settles on" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies making a final decision or choice after considering various options. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and suitable for different contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the formality of your writing when using it, as more formal alternatives like "decides upon" or "determines" may be more appropriate in certain situations. As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, "settles on" appears most often in News & Media, Wiki and Science, reflecting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decides upon

Formal alternative, implies a more deliberate decision.

chooses

A more direct and simple alternative.

selects

Similar to chooses, but suggests a more careful selection.

opts for

Emphasizes the act of choosing one option over others.

determines

Suggests a more definitive and resolute decision.

resolves to

Implies a firm decision to take a particular course of action.

concludes

Suggests a decision reached after some deliberation or analysis.

arrives at

Emphasizes the process of reaching a decision or conclusion.

agrees on

Highlights a decision reached by multiple parties.

picks out

Emphasizes the act of choosing something from a group.

FAQs

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

Use "settles on" to indicate that a person or entity has made a choice or decision after considering various options. For example, "After much deliberation, the committee "settles on" the proposed budget".

What can I say instead of "settles on"?

You can use alternatives like "decides upon", "chooses", or "opts for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "settles on" or "decides on" in formal writing?

While both are correct, "decides on" often lends a more formal and professional tone compared to "settles on". Consider the specific context and audience when making your choice.

What's the difference between "settles on" and "agrees on"?

"Settles on" implies an individual or entity making a decision, while "agrees on" indicates a mutual decision reached by multiple parties. The choice depends on whether the action is individual or collective.