settling differences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settling differences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of resolving disputes or disagreements between parties. Example: "The two countries engaged in negotiations aimed at settling differences over trade policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The mayor prefers working behind closed doors and settling differences quietly.

The New York Times

Making progress on these and other fronts, however, means settling differences through dialogue.

The New York Times

They "end in pizza", with roughly the same convivial implication as settling differences over a drink.

The Economist

It has been another evening of ironing out details, settling differences, negotiations most neighbours will never manage face-to-face.

Independent

According to this "democratic peace" doctrine, democracies do not go to war with each other, and in domestic life they provide nonviolent means of settling differences.

The New York Times

The council decided Tuesday to hire a moderator and convene a citizen panel in hopes of settling differences between two sides arguing about whether Boulder should have a formal sister-city relationship with Nablus, on the West Bank.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He settled differences that arose over food and sleeping space.

The New Yorker

The move did not settle differences; it merely sublimated them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are inclined to get into wars rather settle differences peacefully.

The New York Times

In 1984 Reagan began to settle differences with the Soviets through negotiations.

The New Yorker

His effort in 1774 to settle differences peacefully narrowly missed adoption by the Continental Congress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settling differences", ensure that the context clearly indicates the parties involved and the nature of the disagreements being resolved. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "settling differences" without specifying the scope or context of the differences. Be specific about what is being settled and between whom to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settling differences" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of resolving disagreements or disputes. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in contexts discussing negotiations and conflict resolution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settling differences" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe the act of resolving disagreements or disputes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase commonly appears in neutral and informative contexts, such as news reports and encyclopedic entries, but it maintains its suitability in less formal conversations as well. While sources indicate a preference for "settling differences" in "News & Media", variations like "resolving disputes" and "mediating conflicts" may enhance clarity or formality depending on the specific setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving disputes

Focuses on the formal act of resolving disagreements, often in legal or official contexts.

mediating conflicts

Highlights the involvement of a neutral third party to facilitate resolution.

reconciling parties

Emphasizes the restoration of friendly relations between conflicting sides.

ironing out disagreements

Suggests a process of smoothing over minor points of contention.

working out differences

Implies a collaborative effort to find mutually acceptable solutions.

solving disagreements

Focuses on finding solutions to specific points of contention.

addressing conflicts

Highlights the act of acknowledging and dealing with conflicts.

accommodating differing views

Focuses on making space for different viewpoints to coexist.

bridging divides

Emphasizes connecting opposing sides to foster understanding and agreement.

finding common ground

Focuses on discovering shared interests or beliefs to overcome disagreements.

FAQs

How can I use "settling differences" in a sentence?

You can use "settling differences" to describe the act of resolving disputes or disagreements, as in: "The negotiation process is aimed at "settling differences" between the parties peacefully."

What are some alternatives to "settling differences"?

Alternatives include "resolving disputes", "mediating conflicts", or "reconciling parties", depending on the specific context.

Is "settling differences" formal or informal?

"Settling differences" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "resolving disputes".

What's the difference between "settling differences" and "agreeing to disagree"?

"Settling differences" implies finding a resolution or compromise, while "agreeing to disagree" means acknowledging irreconcilable differences and accepting them without resolution.