settling in

USAGE SUMMARY

'settling in' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that typically describes the process of becoming comfortable or familiar in a new environment. For example, "After a week of settling in, I finally feel like I'm starting to get used to my new office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm settling in.

The New York Times - Sports

Lackey was also settling in.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was just settling in," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Winter is settling in.

The New York Times

"I think people are settling in".

The New York Times

Either way, they are settling in.

The Economist

I was settling in nicely.

The Guardian - Travel

O'Neal is finally settling in.

The New York Times - Sports

How is he settling in?

The Guardian

Yes, Wainwright is settling in quite well.

The Guardian - Sport

He feels that she is settling in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's adaptation to a new job or role, use "settling in" to convey a sense of gradual adjustment and integration.

Common error

Avoid using "settling in" when you mean to convey immediate success or mastery. It implies a process, not an instant result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settling in" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the process of becoming comfortable or accustomed to a new environment or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settling in" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes the process of becoming comfortable and adjusted to a new environment, role, or situation. Ludwig confirms its wide applicability, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources. While versatile, it's crucial to recognize that "settling in" implies a gradual process, not an immediate state of comfort or expertise. As a neutral expression, it can be used in various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and general writing. Therefore, understanding its implications ensures its effective use in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting settled

A more concise way of saying "settling in", focusing on the completion of the initial adjustment period.

becoming comfortable

Highlights the emotional state of feeling at ease in a new setting.

making oneself at home

Emphasizes the act of creating a comfortable and familiar environment.

getting accustomed

Focuses on the process of becoming familiar with new surroundings or routines.

finding one's feet

Describes the process of becoming confident and capable in a new situation.

adjusting

Highlights the act of making changes to fit into a new environment or situation.

getting the hang of things

Implies learning and becoming proficient at new tasks or routines.

acclimating

Emphasizes adapting to a new climate, environment, or social setting.

becoming established

Stresses the act of setting up and securing a position or presence.

integrating

Focuses on becoming a part of a larger group or community.

FAQs

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

You can say, "After moving to a new city, it takes time for someone to be "settling in"" or "The new employee is "settling in" well and becoming a valuable member of the team".

What's a good alternative to "settling in"?

Depending on the context, you could use "getting accustomed", "adjusting", or "becoming comfortable".

Is there a difference between "settling in" and "settling down"?

"Settling in" refers to becoming comfortable in a new environment, whereas "settling down" typically means establishing a stable lifestyle, often involving marriage and a home.

Can "settling in" be used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

While primarily used for people or animals, "settling in" can metaphorically describe abstract concepts. For example, "After the initial chaos, a sense of calm was "settling in"".