settling an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settling an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of resolving a problem or dispute. Example: "The team held a meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict, with the goal of settling the issue once and for all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The difficulty of settling an issue so deeply rooted in Muslim and Jewish faith and identity is not to be minimized.

The New York Times

Mao Zedong elevated violent revolution to the level of a universal truth: "The seizure of power by armed force, settling an issue by act of war, is the central task and the highest form of revolution.

The New York Times

Two years ago a modest breakthrough was made in this quest, after it was shown that it works for seven infinite cigarettes (or cylinders), settling an issue raised 45 years before that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's a little hard to settle an issue like this when someone puts deer to bleed in front of your house," he said.

The New York Times

During minor disagreements on the playgrounds, some people mentioned bringing their triad friends down to settle an issue, but this was usually said in a humorous manner – and never taken seriously.

Independent

"The issue is whether we as a society, as a government, as a country, should authorize the use of force to go into a family home to settle an issue about custody," said Senator Connie Mack, Republican of Florida.

The New York Times

"It just settles an issue that, while it was outstanding and ambiguous, created a cloud of uncertainty," said Alan Patricof, a venture capitalist who is a donor to Mrs. Clinton's campaign.

The New York Times

Mr. Carter used his triumphant return to Alaska this week to urge President Clinton to settle an issue left unresolved when the act was passed: whether to allow oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The New York Times

Each negotiator has their own goals and priorities and they earn or lose points depending on how they resolve and settle an issue.

Science Magazine

Just days before her school's closure, Everest paralegal student Tiffany Contreras went to the financial aid office to settle an issue with her credits.

Huffington Post

When voting was required to settle an issue, a two-thirds majority was required to approve a proposal.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs to replace "settling" (e.g., resolving, adjudicating, mediating) to provide greater clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "settling an issue" without clearly defining the specific problem being addressed. Vague references can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settling an issue" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig AI shows examples of its use in various contexts, indicating a broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settling an issue" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of resolving a problem or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively infrequent, it appears in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and scientific publications. For clarity, specifying the issue and considering more precise alternatives might be beneficial. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it versatile for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving a matter

Focuses on the act of finding a solution to a specific matter or situation.

addressing a problem

Highlights the act of dealing with a problem or concern.

sorting out a difficulty

Implies a process of organizing and resolving a difficult situation.

ironing out a disagreement

Suggests smoothing over differences to reach an agreement.

handling a dispute

Emphasizes the management and resolution of a conflict.

deciding on a question

Focuses on making a final determination on a particular question.

rectifying an error

Highlights correcting a mistake or inaccuracy.

concluding a debate

Indicates bringing a discussion or argument to an end.

determining a result

Implies establishing the final outcome or consequence.

finding common ground

Focuses on identifying shared interests or agreements to move forward.

FAQs

What does "settling an issue" mean?

"Settling an issue" means resolving a problem, dispute, or disagreement, often to reach a final decision or agreement.

What can I say instead of "settling an issue"?

You can use alternatives like "resolving a matter", "addressing a problem", or "ironing out a disagreement" depending on the context.

Is it formal to say "settling an issue"?

The phrase "settling an issue" is generally neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose a more precise alternative like "adjudicating a dispute" in highly formal settings.

How can I use "settling an issue" effectively in a sentence?

To use "settling an issue" effectively, provide context: "The negotiation aimed at settling the key issues between the parties."