was settled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was settled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a decision, dispute, or issue has been resolved or concluded in the past. Example: "After months of negotiations, the contract was settled to everyone's satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that was settled.

The New Yorker

The suit was settled.

The New York Times

That case was settled.

The New York Times

But it was settled.

The New York Times

That suit was settled.

The New York Times

The case was settled.

The New York Times

So it was settled.

The New Yorker

In fact, nothing was settled.

The Economist

With that, it was settled.

The New York Times - Sports

That's how Australia was settled.

The New York Times

Fortunately, it was settled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was settled" when indicating a decision, dispute, or issue has been resolved or concluded in the past. Ensure the context clearly defines what "was settled" and by whom, if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "was settled" with plural subjects. For example, it's incorrect to say "The issues was settled"; the correct form is "The issues were settled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was settled" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received an action (settling). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression used to communicate that an agreement, dispute, or decision has been concluded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was settled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction signifying that a matter has been resolved or decided. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it's appropriate for various contexts, with a particularly strong presence in news and media. While alternatives such as "was resolved" or "was finalized" exist, "was settled" carries a specific connotation of agreement or compromise. When using this phrase, writers should ensure subject-verb agreement and maintain clarity regarding what exactly "was settled". With its versatile usage and established presence, "was settled" is a valuable tool for conveying closure and finality in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was resolved

Replaces 'settled' with 'resolved', emphasizing the act of finding a solution to a problem or dispute.

was decided

Focuses on the act of making a choice or judgment, rather than necessarily resolving a conflict.

was determined

Emphasizes the ascertainment of a fact or the establishment of a conclusion after investigation.

was concluded

Highlights the termination or completion of a process or discussion.

was agreed upon

Stresses the mutual consent or consensus achieved by involved parties.

was finalized

Indicates that the process reached a stage of completion and approval.

was adjudicated

Refers to a formal judgment or decision, especially in a legal context.

reached a resolution

Shifts the focus to the attainment of a settlement or solution, rather than the act of settling.

came to an agreement

Highlights the act of reaching a mutual understanding or compromise.

was ruled

Indicates an official decree or judgment, often in a legal or authoritative context.

FAQs

How can I use "was settled" in a sentence?

You can use "was settled" to indicate that a decision, agreement, or dispute has been resolved. For example, "The lawsuit "was settled out of court"" or "The terms of the agreement "were settled long ago"".

What are some alternatives to "was settled"?

Alternatives to "was settled" include phrases such as "was resolved", "was decided", "was agreed upon", or "was finalized". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "was settled" and "was resolved"?

While both indicate a conclusion, "was settled" often implies reaching an agreement or ending a dispute, whereas "was resolved" suggests finding a solution to a problem or issue. They are often interchangeable, but "was settled" has a stronger connotation of compromise.

Is it correct to say "the matter was settled"?

Yes, "the matter "was settled"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that a particular issue or problem has been resolved or decided upon.