to iron out differences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to iron out differences" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to resolving conflicts or disagreements between parties. Example: "The two companies met to iron out differences before finalizing the merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Convene conference committees more often to iron out differences in bills from both houses.

The New York Times

The bills will next go to a conference committee, to iron out differences between them.

The New York Times

A 17-member conference committee is trying to iron out differences.

The New York Times

On April 6 Bashir launched a National Dialogue to attempt to iron out differences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Tokyo meetings were nonbinding and limited in size in an effort to prompt members to iron out differences.

The New York Times

They urged the Met to reconsider and called for a meeting next week to iron out differences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"We look forward to ironing out differences arising out of national priorities and perceptions," Mr. Duterte said, "and working in mutually responsible ways for both countries".

The New York Times

A timely exchange of views on core issues of mutual concern is conducive to effective cooperation as well as to ironing out differences and hurdles standing in the way of ties between the two big towers.

Huffington Post

If there are any differences, bringing them together in a learning environment is actually the best way to iron out those differences, but more importantly it promotes and effects the kind of synergies that will produce great results in the real work environment.

Huffington Post

Lawmakers still have to iron out the differences between the Senate's credit card bill and a slightly different version passed by the House of Representatives in April.

Forbes

Negotiators from the two chambers will meet soon in an effort to iron out the differences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to iron out differences" when you want to convey the idea of resolving disagreements through discussion and negotiation, typically to reach a consensus or agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "to iron out differences" in situations where the resolution involves forceful imposition or unilateral decision-making, as it implies a collaborative effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to iron out differences" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the process of resolving disagreements or conflicts through discussion and negotiation. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"To iron out differences" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe the process of resolving disagreements or conflicts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous real-world examples. While generally neutral in tone, it might be more appropriate to use formal alternatives like "resolve disagreements" or "reconcile differences" in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its relevance in reporting on negotiations, disputes, and conflict resolution. Remember to use it when you want to convey a collaborative effort toward a mutually acceptable outcome, avoiding its application in situations involving unilateral decisions or forceful impositions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve disagreements

Uses a more direct and formal verb for resolving conflicts.

settle disputes

Implies a more formal or legalistic approach to conflict resolution.

reconcile differences

Emphasizes restoring harmony and agreement after a conflict.

reach a compromise

Indicates a mutual concession to achieve a resolution.

work through issues

Suggests a gradual and collaborative process of addressing problems.

find common ground

Stresses the discovery of shared interests or beliefs to facilitate agreement.

bridge the gap

Focuses on reducing the distance or disagreement between opposing viewpoints.

sort out problems

Suggests organizing or clarifying issues to enable resolution.

come to terms

Highlights reaching an agreement or acceptance of a situation after negotiation.

mend fences

Implies repairing damaged relationships or restoring goodwill.

FAQs

How can I use "to iron out differences" in a sentence?

You can use "to iron out differences" to describe the process of resolving disagreements. For example, "The committee met to iron out differences and finalize the proposal."

What's a formal alternative to "to iron out differences"?

A more formal alternative would be "resolve disagreements" or "settle disputes".

Is "to iron out differences" appropriate for academic writing?

While acceptable, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal phrase like "reconcile differences" in academic writing.

How does "to iron out differences" differ from "paper over the cracks"?

"To iron out differences" implies a genuine effort to resolve underlying issues, whereas "paper over the cracks" suggests a superficial attempt to hide problems without addressing them.