I will repay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will repay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an intention to return a favor, debt, or something owed to someone. Example: "If you help me with this project, I promise I will repay you in kind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I will repay that.

The Guardian

I will repay your courage with my continued professionalism".

The New York Times

"Anna Karenina" is preceded by an unsettling, unattributed epigraph quote: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay".

The New Yorker

The human furniture comes to life, echoing the novel's epigraph: "Vengeance is mine, and I will repay".

The New Yorker

And I will repay you by forming an India of your dreams!" Huge swarms of balloons tumble from the rafters.

The Economist

Hardly the stuff of murderous hate.Likewise, God admonished the Jews much earlier that "It is mine to avenge, I will repay" (Deuteronomy 32 35).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"First of all, I'll repay all the people I borrowed from," said Muhammad Rahim, an accountant in the Finance Ministry.

The New York Times

I'm sure I'll repay their faith by scoring goals like a proper number nine should".

BBC

If the company emerges, there is a chance it will repay investors.

The New York Times

"This morning I announced we will repay the entire outstanding national debt incurred to fight the First World War".

Independent

It's a fantastic gesture from our supporters and I'm sure Matthew will repay them with his performances.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I will repay" when you want to express a firm commitment to return something, whether it's a debt, a favor, or a responsibility.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I will repay" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using phrases like "I'll pay you back" or "I'll return the favor" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will repay" functions as a statement of future intention. It combines a pronoun, a future auxiliary verb, and a verb expressing the act of returning something. Ludwig AI's examples showcase this use in promises and commitments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I will repay" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a future commitment to return something, be it a debt, favor, or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and general communication. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose alternative expressions like "I'll pay you back" for more casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll pay you back

More direct and often used in informal contexts, emphasizing repayment.

I'm going to return the favor

Specifically indicates the intention to return a kind act.

I shall reimburse

Uses a more formal auxiliary verb and emphasizes monetary compensation.

I will make it up to you

Focuses on compensating for an inconvenience or wrongdoing.

I intend to compensate

Focuses on providing compensation for a loss or service.

I plan to make amends

Highlights the intention to correct a wrong or deficiency.

I commit to recompense

Formal and emphasizes a strong commitment to repay or compensate.

I am going to reciprocate

Emphasizes the act of returning a similar action or gesture.

I'm in your debt

Expresses a feeling of obligation to repay a kindness or favor.

I'll get you back for that

Informal; implies returning an action, often negatively or playfully.

FAQs

How to use "I will repay" in a sentence?

Use "I will repay" to express a commitment to returning a debt, favor, or service. For example: "If you lend me the money, I will repay you next week."

What can I say instead of "I will repay"?

You can use alternatives like "I'll pay you back", "I will compensate", or "I'll return the favor" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I shall repay" instead of "I will repay"?

Yes, "I shall repay" is grammatically correct, but it is more formal and less commonly used in modern English. "I will repay" is generally preferred in most contexts.

What's the difference between "I will repay" and "I'm going to repay"?

"I will repay" expresses a firm intention or promise, while "I'm going to repay" indicates a plan or future action. They are often interchangeable, but "I will repay" can convey a stronger sense of commitment.