I owe them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I owe them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of obligation or gratitude towards someone or a group of people. Example: "After all the support they provided during my difficult times, I truly feel that I owe them a debt of gratitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I owe them".

The New York Times - Sports

I owe them an explanation.

The New York Times

That's all I owe them.

The New Yorker

I owe them that".

The New York Times

I owe them everything".

The Guardian

I owe them my life.

The New Yorker

"So I think I owe them that".

The New York Times

I owe them big time.

The Guardian - Travel

"I owe them big time," she said.

The New York Times

"So I owe them nothing.

The New York Times

"Now I owe them two years".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I owe them" to express sincere gratitude or a sense of obligation for something received, whether it's tangible help, emotional support, or a life-changing opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "I owe to them" when you mean "I owe them". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context. "I owe it to them" is also correct, but has a different meaning, suggesting you have a responsibility towards them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I owe them" functions as a declarative expression of gratitude or obligation. It indicates that the speaker feels indebted to the individuals being referred to as 'them'. Ludwig examples show this phrase being used in various contexts to express feelings of owing someone for their help or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I owe them" is a common and grammatically correct way to express gratitude or a sense of obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying genuine appreciation or acknowledging a debt, whether tangible or intangible. While alternatives like "I am indebted to them" or "I am grateful to them" exist, "I owe them" remains a direct and versatile expression of indebtedness. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like "I owe it to them", which carries a different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am indebted to them

Expresses a formal sense of gratitude or obligation.

I am grateful to them

Highlights feelings of thankfulness.

I have a debt to them

Emphasizes the sense of obligation as an outstanding debt.

I am in their debt

Similar to 'I have a debt to them' but with a slightly different structure.

I appreciate their help

Focuses on the appreciation for specific assistance.

I am thankful to them

Indicates a state of thankfulness.

I am obliged to them

Suggests a formal obligation or duty.

They have my gratitude

Expresses gratitude in a more formal manner.

I recognize their contribution

Acknowledges the value of what they provided.

I acknowledge my debt to them

Formally recognizes the obligation one has to others.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I owe them"?

Saying "I owe them" means you feel a sense of gratitude or obligation towards someone for something they've done for you. It implies you feel you need to repay them in some way, whether with a favor, gratitude, or something else.

How can I use "I owe them" in a sentence?

You can use "I owe them" in sentences like, "They helped me through a tough time; I really owe them", or "Thanks to their generosity, I was able to finish my degree; I owe them everything."

What are some alternatives to saying "I owe them"?

You can use alternatives like "I am indebted to them", "I am grateful to them", or "I have a debt to them" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I owe it to them" instead of "I owe them"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, they have slightly different meanings. "I owe them" expresses direct gratitude or obligation. "I owe it to them" implies a sense of duty or responsibility towards them. For example: "I owe them my life", but "I owe it to them to succeed".