settling on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settling on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to making a decision or coming to a conclusion about something after consideration. Example: "After much deliberation, we are finally settling on a date for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The technology professor tried a couple of surveillance cameras before settling on one made by Dropcam.

The New York Times

Think of all the rhyming possibilities before settling on one.

WikiHow

Look into several agents rather than just settling on one.

WikiHow

We developed several propensity score models before settling on the one reported in this paper.

Plosone

Dusk was settling on New Canaan.

The New York Times

It prefers settling on hard, chalky surfaces.

The Economist

You have dust settling on that course surface.

The New York Times

Settling on a starting lineup will be less challenging.

The New York Times - Sports

Cage dabbled in art and architecture before settling on music.

The New Yorker

Labour's message now seems to be settling on the latter.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He flipped through the channels before settling on less divisive programming: "Judge Judy".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settling on" when you want to convey a sense of finality in a decision-making process, especially after considering multiple options.

Common error

Avoid using "settling on" when the decision is preliminary or subject to change. Opt for alternatives like "considering" or "exploring" if the choice isn't yet definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settling on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating the act of making a decision or choice after a period of consideration. It is used to describe the final stage of evaluation and selection, where one option is chosen from several alternatives, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "settling on" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that describes the act of making a final decision after considering multiple options. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for neutral to professional registers, writers should be mindful of its implication of finality. Alternatives like "deciding upon" or "choosing" may be more appropriate when the decision is less conclusive. Considering these nuances will help ensure the precise and effective use of "settling on" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding upon

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the moment of decision.

opting for

Suggests a deliberate choice, often between alternatives.

choosing

A more general term for selecting one option from many.

selecting

Similar to choosing, but can imply a more formal process.

arriving at

Suggests reaching a conclusion or decision after some thought or effort.

agreeing on

Highlights the consensus aspect of reaching a decision.

picking out

Emphasizes the act of choosing something specific.

landing on

A more informal way of saying coming to a decision.

concluding with

Implies a final decision after a period of consideration.

resolving to

Focuses on the firm intention to follow through with a decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "settling on" to describe making a final decision after considering different options. For example, "After reviewing several proposals, the team is "settling on" a design."

What can I say instead of "settling on"?

You can use alternatives like "deciding upon", "choosing", or "opting for" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "settling on" or "deciding on"?

"Settling on" implies a bit more deliberation and finality than "deciding on". Use ""settling on"" when the decision feels more resolved after considering alternatives.

What is the difference between "settling on" and "focusing on"?

"Settling on" indicates making a choice, while "focusing on" implies concentrating effort or attention. They are not interchangeable; you "settle on" a decision, but "focus on" a task or goal.