Same verb · different particle

“settle” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
settle
downinup

settle + down · 1 of 3

settle down

become calm

  • settle down sth
A boy sits calmly beside a woman as a red wind-up toy lies still on the rug after spinning.

To become quiet, relaxed, or less active, especially after being excited or upset.

Example

A: The kids are running everywhere!
B: Don’t worry, they’ll settle down once the movie starts.

Tell it apart

The class settled down after the bell.

  • became calm/quiet

They settled down in a small town.

  • made a permanent home
Next: settle in

settle + in · 2 of 3

settle in

become comfortable

To settle in means to become comfortable and familiar in a new home or place.

Example

A: How's the new job going?
B: It's good. I'm still settling in, but everyone has been friendly.

Tell it apart

We're still settling in after the move.

  • becoming comfortable and familiar

We moved in last Saturday.

  • started living there
Full lesson: settle in
Next: settle up

settle + up · 3 of 3

settle up

clear what you owe

  • settle up with sb
  • informal

To pay money that you owe, especially after borrowing money or sharing expenses.

Example

A: How much do I owe you for the tickets?
B: Don't worry about it tonight; we can settle up tomorrow.

Tell it apart

Full lesson: settle up
Test yourself: which “settle” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “settle” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.