should be settled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be settled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or issue that needs to be resolved or concluded. Example: "The terms of the agreement should be settled before the project begins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should be settled in the parliament".

The Guardian

However, there are still some problems should be settled.

Cryogenics

Any dispute should be settled by peaceful, political means.

The New York Times

The rules "should be settled," the diplomat said.

The New York Times

He said the subdivision issue should be settled by midyear.

The New York Times

"We've said we think it should be settled.

The New York Times

"We believe that the nuclear issue of North Korea should be settled through dialogue and negotiation and should be settled peacefully".

The New York Times

Civil rights, they insisted, should be settled in the courts instead of in the streets.

Harvard University

If possible, the basic P.R. strategy should be settled on before the story breaks.

The New Yorker

At the very least, the fate of Dexia should be settled soon.

The New York Times

The "Post" says that European troubles should be settled by Europe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be settled", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for settling the matter. This avoids ambiguity and clarifies the intended course of action.

Common error

Avoid embedding "should be settled" within overly complex sentences, as this can obscure the meaning. Break down complex sentences for better readability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be settled" functions primarily as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that an action (settling) needs to be performed on a subject. Ludwig confirms that the usage of this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. This is seen in Ludwig's examples such as "the issue should be settled."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be settled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that expresses the need for resolution or finalization of an issue. According to Ludwig, it is applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, clarity is key; writers should ensure that the context clarifies who or what is responsible for settling the matter. Alternatives such as "ought to be resolved" or "needs to be determined" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be resolved

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a moral obligation or advisability rather than just a recommendation.

needs to be determined

Focuses on the necessity of finding a definitive answer or outcome.

must be concluded

Emphasizes the need for finality and termination of a matter.

has to be adjudicated

Highlights a formal, legal process of resolution.

should be addressed

Indicates a need for attention and action to resolve an issue.

should be sorted out

Suggests a process of clarification and arrangement to reach a solution.

should be cleared up

Emphasizes the need to remove confusion or ambiguity.

should be straightened out

Implies correcting a problem or misunderstanding to achieve clarity.

should be ironed out

Suggests smoothing over minor disagreements to reach an agreement.

should be wrapped up

Focuses on completing or finalizing a task or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "should be settled" in a sentence?

The phrase "should be settled" is used to indicate that an issue or dispute requires resolution. For instance, "The contract terms should be settled before signing" or "The disagreement should be settled amicably".

What are some alternatives to "should be settled"?

Alternatives include "ought to be resolved", "needs to be determined", or "must be concluded" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "should be settled" or "should be resolved"?

Both "should be settled" and "should be resolved" are correct. "Should be settled" often implies a final agreement or arrangement, while "should be resolved" suggests the problem needs to be addressed and a solution found. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Consider using "should be resolved" if the situation is tense.

In what situations is "should be settled" most appropriate?

The phrase "should be settled" is most appropriate when discussing disputes, agreements, or situations that require a final decision or resolution. It's common in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts, as well as everyday conversations about disagreements or arrangements. For example when you make agreements.