What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sat
Example
I sat down on the couch to watch TV. [sat: past tense]
Example
She has been sitting in the waiting room for hours. [sitting: present participle]
Example
Please come in and have a seat. [sat: imperative verb]
settled
Example
After a long day, I settled into my favorite armchair. [settled: past tense]
Example
The family settled into their new home after a few weeks. [settled: past tense]
Example
We finally settled the argument and came to an agreement. [settled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sat is more common and versatile in everyday language, while settled is less common and typically used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sat and settled?
Sat is generally considered informal and casual, while settled is more formal and often used in legal or business contexts.