we need to settle on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we need to settle on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the need to reach an agreement or decision on a particular matter. Example: "Before we move forward with the project, we need to settle on a budget that works for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We need to settle on our best XI and stay with it.

Independent

"I appreciate the fact that doing this right is complex and challenging," said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif .. "But with the 10th anniversary of 9/11 fast approaching, we neeD-Calif .le on a path forward and move quickly".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

"We need to settle this," Starmer said.

The Guardian

"We need to settle the legal reform debate.

The New York Times

"I told them, 'We need to settle down,' " Lane said.

The New York Times - Sports

Do we need to settle this right now?' "He was all, 'You goddam right we need to settle this thing.' So I pulled the truck off the road".

The New Yorker

"We need to settle this issue.

BBC

"We need to settle and let it to be.

BBC

"We need to settle in a little.

Los Angeles Times

We need to settle down and give progress a rest.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we need to settle on", ensure all parties involved have a chance to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. This fosters a sense of ownership and ensures a more agreeable outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "we need to settle on" without clearly defining the criteria for the decision. This can lead to endless debates and a lack of progress. Instead, establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals before starting the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we need to settle on" functions as an expression of necessity and intent to reach a decision or agreement. As seen in Ludwig, it indicates a requirement to finalize a choice among available options or resolve differing opinions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we need to settle on" is a versatile phrase indicating the necessity of reaching a decision or agreement. Ludwig's analysis shows it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While similar phrases exist, such as "we have to decide on" or "we must agree on", the original phrase effectively conveys the intent to finalize a choice or resolve differing opinions. Understanding the context and audience helps in choosing the most appropriate phrasing for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have to decide on

Replaces "need to settle" with "have to decide", emphasizing obligation to make a choice.

we must agree on

Changes "need to settle" to "must agree", stressing the necessity of mutual consent.

we should determine

Substitutes "need to settle" with "should determine", suggesting a recommended course of action to finalize something.

we ought to conclude

Replaces "need to settle" with "ought to conclude", conveying a sense of duty in reaching a final point.

we have to finalize

Changes "need to settle on" to "have to finalize", highlighting the action of making something complete and definite.

we have to resolve

Substitutes "need to settle on" with "have to resolve", suggesting a problem needs to be fixed through decision.

we should decide upon

Replaces "need to settle" with "should decide upon", offering a recommendation to choose from alternatives.

we must come to a consensus on

Changes "need to settle on" to "must come to a consensus on", focusing on group agreement.

we should arrive at a decision regarding

Substitutes "need to settle on" with "should arrive at a decision regarding", suggesting a deliberative process.

we need to reach a conclusion about

Changes "settle on" to "reach a conclusion about", emphasizing the final thought after considering options.

FAQs

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

You can use "we need to settle on" to express the necessity of reaching a decision or agreement. For example, "Before proceeding with the project, we need to settle on a budget".

What's a more formal alternative to "we need to settle on"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "we must agree on" or "we should determine". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

What can I say instead of "we need to settle on" in an informal context?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "we have to decide on" or "we should pick". These are less formal and more conversational.

Is there a difference between "we need to settle on" and "we need to decide on"?

While similar, "we need to settle on" often implies a need to resolve differing opinions or options to reach a final decision. "We need to decide on" is more general and simply means making a choice.