I am owed

USAGE SUMMARY

'I am owed' is a grammatically correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is indebted to you; that you are entitled to receive something from them. Example: Since I worked hard to complete the project, I am owed a bonus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I am owed".

The New York Times - Magazine

I still feel I am owed an apology.

The Guardian - Tech

It certainly wouldn't have gotten me the money I am owed.

The New York Times

That the money I am owed is paid to me now.

The New Yorker

For me, the thought that Blair might have already agreed a dodgy deal with the Bush administration before I ever got sent to Iraq is a prospect I believe I am owed the answer to.

Independent

If, for some strange reason, women decide that they don't want to pursue a relationship with me, the nicest man in the world, then I feel that I am owed a detailed explanation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I'm owed six figures.

Independent

"I think if anything, I'm owed an apology.

The New York Times

"I'm owed at least £4,000," she says.

The Guardian - Money

"I think, if anything, I'm owed an apology," he said.

The New York Times

'Both Jia Yi Liu [the national coach] and I are owed over 150 days holiday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am owed" when you want to assert a right or expectation to receive something, whether it's money, an apology, or a service. Be clear about the basis of your claim to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "I am owed" in situations where you are merely hoping for something, rather than having a legitimate claim. Saying "I am owed a promotion" when you haven't met the requirements is inaccurate; "I should receive a promotion" is more appropriate if you believe you deserve it but aren't guaranteed it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am owed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the speaker is the recipient of an obligation. It is used to assert a right to something, as supported by Ludwig, which validates its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from financial compensation to apologies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Reference

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I am owed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a belief that one is entitled to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and correct construction. Its presence in news and media demonstrates its broad applicability, while related phrases such as "I am entitled to" and "I deserve" offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, clarity and justification are key to avoid misinterpretations. Keep in mind that while grammatically sound this phrase can be used to express that someone has a debt or obligation to you and to convey a sense of entitlement. The most frequent authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am entitled to

Focuses on having a right or legitimate claim to something.

I am due

Suggests that something is scheduled to be received or experienced.

I have a right to

Emphasizes the legal or moral basis for a claim.

I deserve

Highlights the merit or worthiness of receiving something.

I am owed recompense

More formal and specific, referring to compensation for a loss or injury.

I am owed compensation

Refers specifically to money or something else given as payment for loss, injury, or suffering.

I should receive

Expresses an expectation of getting something, often based on an agreement or understanding.

I have a claim to

Implies a legal or official demand for something.

I am in line for

Suggests that one is next or likely to receive something.

I anticipate receiving

Focuses on the expectation or prediction of getting something.

FAQs

How do I use "I am owed" in a sentence?

Use "I am owed" to express that someone has a debt or obligation to you. For example, "Since I completed the project on time, "I am owed" a bonus."

What can I say instead of "I am owed"?

You can use alternatives like "I am entitled to", "I am due", or "I deserve" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am owing" instead of "I am owed"?

No, "I am owing" is grammatically incorrect in this context. ""I am owed"" is the correct passive construction to indicate that something is due to you.

What's the difference between "I am owed" and "I am due"?

""I am owed"" implies a sense of obligation or debt from someone to you, while "I am due" suggests that something is scheduled or expected to be received.