What are the definitions of “settle on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Agree.
They couldn't agree at first on a name for their daughter, but finally SETTLED ON Alice.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “settle on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb settle on is to agree on something or make a decision after considering different options. For example, it can mean choosing a name, deciding on a place to visit, or selecting a specific item.
What are the different verb forms of “settle on”?
| Root Verb | settle on |
| Third Person Singular Present | settles on |
| Present Participle | settling on |
| Simple Past | settled on |
| Past Participle | settled on |
Example
They settled on a name for their new puppy.
Example
She settles on a restaurant for dinner after reading reviews.
Example
They are settling on a date for the wedding.
Example
We settled on a vacation destination after much discussion.
Example
The committee had settled on a theme for the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “settle on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“settle on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
They settled on a name for their daughter.
Example
We settled on a place to meet.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“settle on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
They settled on a name for their daughter.
Example
We settled on a place to meet.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “settle on”?
Good things to know
Does “settle on” have an informal or formal tone?
Settle on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or written communication.
