settling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is coming to a decision, making a choice, or establishing a residence or situation. Example: "After much deliberation, they finally decided on settling in the countryside for a quieter life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some, though, were settling in for a long wait.

The Guardian

He acted as the family enforcer, discreetly settling problems with some of the thousands of royals who live in the capital.

The Guardian

In the very first second of opener On Sight, you are left alone in a field of distortion, a squelch of 303ish acid that rolls up and down a scale before settling into a loop of abrasive snarls.

The Guardian - Music

After settling in Britain in 1966, Hornery also had guest roles on television in The Troubleshooters (1967), the sitcoms George and the Dragon (1966) and Dad's Army (1973), Doctor Who (1979), Sapphire & Steel (1981) and many other programmes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We are not talking about Churchill and Roosevelt settling the hash over cigars and cognac.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Irish finance minister, Michael Noonan, reportedly said: "I think everybody should pay what's due and abide by the rules in Europe but I have no objection to the British government settling their account by way of instalment over 2015.

The Guardian

EDF had planned to sign a long-awaited funding agreement with its Chinese investment partners in March, thought to be key to settling procurement plans for the £24.5bn build, and the precursor to a final investment decision.

The Guardian

The risk is that the government fails to realise this potential, and my experience so far is that instead of striving for more, sadly, we're settling for less.

The Guardian

He shares the opposition to same-sex marriage expressed by his rivals but says the supreme court is settling that question.

The Guardian

But the sad fact remains that until public opinion cares more about children drowning at sea than it does about immigrants settling next door, politicians will be loth to take a lead.

The Guardian

Standing on the front step amid a grove of palms, I felt like Robinson Crusoe settling into camp.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, pair "settling" with a preposition that clearly indicates the intended meaning. Common examples include: settling in, settling on, settling for, and settling down.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "settling" as it can alter the meaning significantly. Ensure the preposition accurately reflects the context, such as "settling in" (becoming comfortable) versus "settling for" (accepting something less than ideal).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "settling" is as a present participle or gerund, often functioning as part of a continuous verb tense or as a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It can also function as a noun referring to sediment or dregs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Music

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settling" is a versatile term with several grammatical functions and meanings, ranging from establishing oneself to resolving disputes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. When employing "settling", carefully consider the intended nuance and select the appropriate preposition to ensure clarity. Avoid common errors such as incorrect preposition usage to maintain precision and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving

Focuses more on finding a solution or answer to something.

deciding

Emphasizes the act of making a choice or reaching a conclusion.

determining

Highlights the process of finding out or establishing something definitively.

establishing

Suggests setting up or creating something on a firm or permanent basis.

concluding

Implies bringing something to an end or reaching a final point.

arranging

Refers to making plans or preparations for something.

adjusting

Indicates making changes or modifications to fit a new situation.

agreeing

Highlights reaching a mutual understanding or consensus.

compromising

Suggests making concessions to reach an agreement.

locating

Focuses on finding a place to live or establish oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "settling" in a sentence?

"Settling" can be used in many contexts. For example: "They are "settling the dispute"", "She is "settling into her new home"", or "The dust is "settling on the furniture"".

What are some alternatives to the word "settling"?

Alternatives to "settling" include "resolving", "deciding", or "establishing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "settling in" or "settling down"?

The choice between "settling in" and "settling down" depends on the context. "Settling in" refers to becoming comfortable in a new environment. "Settling down" often implies starting a stable life, such as getting married or buying a home.

What does "settling for" mean?

"Settling for" means accepting something that is less than ideal or what you originally wanted. For example, "He was "settling for a lower salary" because he needed a job quickly".