work out a settlement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work out a settlement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reaching an agreement or resolution, often in legal or financial contexts. Example: "After several negotiations, the two parties were finally able to work out a settlement that satisfied both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mr. Trowbridge helped work out a settlement.

The New York Times

Talks are under way to work out a settlement, Mr. Silberkleit said.

The New York Times

Once a foreclosure petition is filed, the owner and lender can work out a settlement.

The New York Times

We have worked very hard to work out a settlement, but the town board simply refused".

The New York Times

Executives at Standard Chartered have spent months trying to work out a settlement and resolve the investigation.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the family was able to work out a settlement with the I.R.S. over the estate-tax bill.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Mr. Edwards and James H. Brown Jr., the Louisiana insurance commissioner, are charged along with David Disiere, the one-time owner of the Cascade Insurance Company, and Mr. Disiere's former lawyer, Ronald Weems, of scheming to illegally work out a liquidation settlement of Cascade that was favorable to Mr. Disiere.

The New York Times

"That's when we worked out a settlement.

The New York Times

Those costs will grow as the inquiry expands, and could surpass $250 million before the company works out a settlement with the Justice Department and the S.E.C.

The New York Times

In a conference before Justice Arthur Aaron had scheduled a hearing, Mr. Neil and Starrett City's lawyers worked out a settlement.

The New York Times

Andersen was one of the three firms that bitterly fought the rules, though it played a role in eventually working out a settlement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or business disputes, use "work out a settlement" to convey the effort and negotiation involved in reaching an agreement. It implies a process of discussion and compromise.

Common error

Avoid using "setting" when you mean "settlement". "Settling" a dispute refers to reaching an agreement, while "setting" relates to placement or environment. For instance, saying "They are setting a settlement" is incorrect; use "working out a settlement" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work out a settlement" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the process of resolving a dispute or reaching an agreement. It highlights the effort and negotiation involved in finding mutually acceptable terms. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work out a settlement" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of reaching an agreement to resolve a dispute. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it implies negotiation and compromise to find mutually acceptable terms. While alternatives like "reach a settlement" or "negotiate a settlement" exist, "work out a settlement" specifically highlights the effort involved. Remember to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "setting", and to use it in contexts where negotiation and compromise are central to the resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a settlement

Focuses on the completion of the agreement process, emphasizing the result.

negotiate a settlement

Highlights the act of discussion and bargaining to achieve a resolution.

broker a settlement

Suggests the involvement of a third party in facilitating the agreement.

arrive at a compromise

Emphasizes mutual concessions made to reach an understanding.

hammer out a deal

Implies a more intense and arduous negotiation process.

forge an agreement

Highlights the creation of a formal and binding understanding.

find common ground

Focuses on discovering shared interests to build an agreement.

resolve a dispute

Addresses the ending of a conflict through an agreed solution.

settle a disagreement

Indicates the resolution of a difference of opinion.

come to terms

Focuses on the acceptance of specific conditions or provisions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work out a settlement"?

To "work out a settlement" means to reach an agreement or resolution to a dispute, often involving negotiation and compromise. It implies a process of discussion and bargaining to find mutually acceptable terms.

How can I use "work out a settlement" in a sentence?

You can use "work out a settlement" in sentences like: "The company is trying to "reach a settlement" with the plaintiffs", or "Both parties are working diligently to "negotiate a settlement" before the trial begins."

What are some alternatives to "work out a settlement"?

Alternatives to "work out a settlement" include "reach a settlement", "negotiate a settlement", "arrive at a compromise", or "resolve a dispute". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

What is the difference between "work out a settlement" and "settle"?

"Settle" is a more general term for resolving a dispute. "Work out a settlement" implies a more active and involved process of negotiation and discussion to "reach an agreement". "Settle" can also mean simply ending a dispute, without necessarily implying a detailed negotiation.