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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we've settled the bill
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
It said it had settled the bill with a $700m payment.
News & Media
When the excitement had settled, the Bills did what would make any parent proud: They sat down and wrote a nice thank-you note to the Bengals before turning their attention to the first-round game against the Jaguars on Sunday (1 05 p.m. EST, CBS) in Jacksonville.
News & Media
While I understand the need for a professional boundary, I am concerned that I will just be a "crip on the radar" if you will, 'a client,' not a confectionary delight that stays with them long after we've settled up the bill.
News & Media
We've settled here nicely.
News & Media
"We've settled into a particular lethargy.
News & Media
"We've settled for third rate devolution".
News & Media
We've settled.
News & Media
One night, just when it seemed that we had settled into the rituals of domestic togetherness, he reminded me, as I was getting into bed, that I owed him money for a dry-cleaning bill.
News & Media
"At the end of the month, we total up all claims we have settled, add our fee on top, and split the bill on a pro-rata basis.
News & Media
Earlier in the week it said it had settled the majority of a £100,000 bill from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for unpaid PAYE, against the threat of a winding-up order.
News & Media
This week, Hearts said they had settled the majority of a £100,000 bill from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for unpaid PAYE, with the threat of a winding-up order looming.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "we've settled the bill", ensure the context clearly indicates which bill or financial obligation is being referenced, especially if multiple debts or invoices are involved. Clarity prevents confusion.
Common error
Avoid using "we've settled the bill" without specifying what the bill pertains to. If the audience is unaware of the specific bill, provide context or details to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We've settled the bill", specify "We've settled the hotel bill".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
We've settled the bill functions as a declarative statement indicating the completion of a financial transaction. It asserts that a debt or invoice has been fully paid. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in various contexts, from tax disputes to hotel bills.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
3%
Reference
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we've settled the bill" is a declarative phrase used to indicate the completion of a payment or resolution of a financial obligation. The phrase is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it has limited examples, meaning it is of rare occurence, it's versatile enough for use in both professional and informal settings, with a predominantly neutral tone in media reporting. As shown by Ludwig, you must ensure that the context makes it clear which bill you are referring to. You can find some good alternatives such as "we paid the invoice" or "we cleared the debt".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we paid the invoice
Focuses on the action of payment, specifically of an invoice.
we cleared the debt
Highlights the act of eliminating a financial obligation.
we resolved the charges
Indicates a formal resolution, often in a legal or financial context.
we covered the expenses
Emphasizes the act of paying for costs incurred.
we took care of the tab
Uses a more informal term for 'bill', suggesting a casual context.
we discharged the liability
Emphasizes the legal release from an obligation.
we honored the payment
Highlights the fulfillment of a payment obligation.
we liquidated the balance
Suggests converting assets into cash to pay off the bill.
we offset the amount
Implies a reduction or cancellation of debt through counterbalancing measures.
we defrayed the costs
Implies bearing a portion of the expenses, rather than the entirety.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "we've settled the bill" in a professional setting?
In a professional setting, you can use more formal alternatives such as "we have cleared the debt" or "we have remitted the payment" to convey the same meaning as "we've settled the bill".
What's a more casual way to say "we've settled the bill"?
Informally, you could say "we took care of the tab" or "we paid up". These options are less formal than "we've settled the bill" and suitable for relaxed settings.
Is it correct to say "we've settled the bills" instead of "we've settled the bill"?
Yes, "we've settled the bills" is correct if you are referring to multiple bills. The singular form, "we've settled the bill", is used when referring to a single, specific bill.
What does it mean to "settle a bill"?
To "settle a bill" means to pay it completely, resolving the financial obligation. It indicates that the amount due has been fully satisfied.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested