to settle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to settle" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can have multiple meanings and usage depending on the context of the sentence. Here are some examples: 1. "John promised to settle the debt by the end of the month." (used as a verb, meaning to pay or resolve) 2. "The dust began to settle after the explosion." (used as a verb, meaning to calm down or become less chaotic) 3. "It's time to settle this debate once and for all." (used as a verb, meaning to resolve or come to a decision) 4. "After much consideration, she was ready to settle for a smaller salary." (used as a verb, meaning to accept or compromise) 5. "He couldn't seem to settle on a decision, constantly changing his mind." (used as a verb, meaning to decide or come to a conclusion) 6. "She found a comfortable place to settle down and read her book." (used as a verb, meaning to relax or make oneself comfortable) 7. "The settlement was approved by the court and distributed among the victims." (used as a noun, meaning a formal agreement or arrangement) 8. "Let's go to the settlement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Serious matters to settle".

The New Yorker

She refused to settle.

The New Yorker

Most parties agreed to settle.

Independent

2000 Peace begins to settle.

Independent

He seemed to settle down.

The New York Times - Sports

It's time to settle up.

Independent

Why the rush to settle?

The New York Times

I'm never going to settle".

The New York Times

I decided to settle in.

The New Yorker

I didn't want to settle".

The New York Times

Leave overnight to settle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to settle" in legal or financial contexts, ensure the meaning is clear, specifying what is being settled, such as "to settle a debt" or "to settle a dispute."

Common error

Avoid using "to settle" vaguely. Instead of saying "We need to settle," clarify what needs resolution, such as "We need to "finalize" the contract" or "We need to "resolve" the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to settle" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express actions such as resolving disputes, paying debts, establishing oneself, or causing something to become stable. Examples from Ludwig, as shown by Ludwig AI, demonstrate its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to settle" is a versatile infinitive verb phrase with several meanings, ranging from resolving disputes to establishing a stable environment. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it is important to be specific about the intended meaning in formal settings, "to settle" remains a valuable and widely understood expression across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to finalize

Focuses on bringing something to its absolute end or conclusion.

to resolve

Implies finding a solution to a problem or dispute.

to decide

Emphasizes the act of making a choice or judgment.

to conclude

Highlights the termination of a process or discussion, often with a decision.

to adjust

Suggests making changes to achieve a better fit or balance.

to determine

Focuses on establishing something definitively.

to reconcile

Implies restoring harmony or agreement after a conflict.

to square up

Suggests making things even or balancing accounts.

to make up

Focuses on ending a disagreement or quarrel and restoring a relationship.

to locate

Emphasizes finding or establishing a place.

FAQs

How can I use "to settle" in a sentence?

You can use "to settle" in various contexts, such as "to settle a dispute", "to settle an account", or "to settle down in a new city". The meaning changes slightly depending on the context.

What does it mean "to settle down"?

"To settle down" typically means to become calm, stable, or to establish a permanent home or lifestyle. For example, "After years of traveling, he decided "to settle down" and start a family".

Which is correct, "to settle" or "settling"?

Both "to settle" and "settling" can be correct, but they serve different grammatical functions. "To settle" is the infinitive form of the verb, while "settling" is the gerund or present participle. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to "to settle" in a negotiation context?

In a negotiation context, you can use alternatives like "to compromise", "to conclude", or "to agree" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.