to settle on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to settle on something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of coming to a decision or agreement about something. For example, "After much debate, the group finally settled on a plan of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

California law specifies a 50/50 split of community property, whereas Washington courts need to settle on something "fair and equitable," leaving the judge broad discretion to carve up all the assets.

Forbes

The time has come to settle on something.

The New York Times

Generally, the U.A.W. expects to win the same contract terms under its practice of pattern bargaining, but as at Chrysler, the union may have to settle on something apart from the G.M. pact.

The New York Times

OnePlus as a company has decided to settle on something, to bring forward a piece of gee-whizz technology while removing a standard and beloved feature… a feature that less than six months ago was seen as a major selling point.

Forbes

We have to come back with an offer that drives them to settle on something far more reasonable.

Huffington Post

The rest of the time you're going to have to settle on something else that's in season.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Don't let yourself settle on something "because it worked like that before".

Huffington Post

Ms. Lavigne, however, settled on something entirely her own, refusing to cut any tracks that resembled the sound of other artists.

The New York Times - Arts

She had passed up a sea of pastels and black dresses before settling on something less predictable, a clingy halter-top green jersey from Plein Sud.

The New York Times

Settle on something to do.

WikiHow

Because all the Saami Council does is bicker amongst them selves, and when they finally settle on something they still have to take it to the government to get it approved.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to settle on something", ensure the context clearly indicates what options were considered before the final decision was made. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the "something" in "to settle on something" is clear to the reader. Ambiguity can arise if the object of the decision isn't explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context. For example, instead of saying "They settled on something", be specific: "They settled on a new marketing strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to settle on something" functions as an infinitive phrase often serving as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates the act of reaching a decision or agreement. Examples from Ludwig show it is used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to settle on something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates making a decision or reaching an agreement, as Ludwig AI confirms. It is particularly common in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, writers should ensure clarity and precision in its usage, particularly by explicitly stating the object of the decision. Alternatives such as "decide upon" or "agree on" may be more suitable in formal settings. Be aware of using the term in different sentence structures and contexts to improve your writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to decide upon something

Emphasizes the decision-making process, focusing on choosing a specific option.

to come to a decision about something

Explicitly states the process of reaching a conclusion.

to agree on something

Highlights the aspect of reaching a mutual agreement or consensus.

to conclude something

Suggests a final decision after a period of consideration or debate.

to opt for something

Focuses on the act of choosing one thing over others.

to arrive at a conclusion

Highlights the finality of the decision-making process.

to determine something

Emphasizes the process of finding out or establishing something definitively.

to land on something

Uses a more informal tone, suggesting a somewhat random or eventual selection.

to make a choice

A more general phrase referring to the act of selecting one option from several.

to fix on something

Implies a firm and unwavering decision or focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "to settle on something" when you want to express the idea of making a decision or reaching an agreement after considering different options. For example: "After much debate, the committee managed "to settle on something" that everyone could agree with."

What are some alternatives to "to settle on something"?

Some alternatives include "to decide upon something", "to agree on something", or "to opt for something" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "settle on something"?

To "settle on something" means to come to a decision about something, typically after considering various options or alternatives. It implies a resolution or final choice.

Is "settle on something" formal or informal?

The phrase "settle on something" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "to conclude something" might be preferable in highly formal writing.