a considerable debt

USAGE SUMMARY

"a considerable debt" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a large amount of money owed by someone, such as, "John took on a considerable debt in order to pay for college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This is an important and timely volume, and philosophy owes Lynch a considerable debt.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Owing a considerable debt to Joe Orton's black comedies, Kirkwood reveals an appetite for Gothic humour.

The Guardian

And it's all written in a style that, as Zanganeh admits, owes a considerable debt to the master himself.

The Guardian - Books

Like Peter Flannery's Burnt By The Sun, Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa owes a considerable debt to The Cherry Orchard.

The Guardian

Although it's impossible to know how things would have played out in slightly different circumstances, we might owe that supernova a considerable debt.

The New Yorker

He owed her Florentine family a considerable debt, which was conveniently written off when the couple wed, leading his mistress to nickname her "the fat banker".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

You might be a carer, might have considerable debt or there may be a contract you can't get out of.

Huffington Post

This stimulus will require Greece's lenders to consider writing off a chunk of its considerable debt and therefore presents the first showdown between a new leftist government in Athens and the European establishment, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The Washington Post

Hoggett is eager, in a telephone conversation, to acknowledge his considerable debt to Graham Scotttt is part of the theatrical language I use every day.

The Guardian

Several years after completing my sentence, I went into considerable debt to obtain a master's degree in humanities, and then I was barred by the State of California from paid positions in public high schools and community colleges.

The New Yorker

Police learned that O'Connell led a secret life: he had run up considerable debt, and his wife suspected him of consorting with prostitutes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a considerable debt", ensure the context clearly indicates what the debt is owed for and to whom. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable debt" for minor financial obligations. Reserve it for debts that genuinely represent a significant burden or risk, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable debt" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "incurred", "owed", "accumulated") or as a complement to a preposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in expressing a significant financial obligation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a considerable debt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant financial obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, followed by academic and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, ensure its use is reserved for truly substantial debts to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a significant obligation" or "a substantial liability" depending on the nuance you want to convey. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively communicate the magnitude of financial burdens.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant obligation

Focuses on the obligation aspect, implying a serious responsibility to repay.

a substantial liability

Highlights the financial burden associated with the debt.

a large financial burden

Emphasizes the weight and impact of the debt on finances.

a heavy indebtedness

Replaces 'debt' with the more formal 'indebtedness', suggesting a significant level of obligation.

a major financial commitment

Shifts the focus to the commitment required to manage and repay the debt.

a sizable amount owed

Directly states the act of owing a large sum of money.

significant arrears

Implies overdue payments that have accumulated into a large debt.

extensive financial commitments

Suggests a range of financial obligations that contribute to the debt.

substantial financial deficit

Highlights the shortfall in funds as a result of the debt.

a considerable financial responsibility

Frames the debt as a duty to be managed and repaid.

FAQs

How can I use "a considerable debt" in a sentence?

You can use "a considerable debt" to describe a significant amount of money owed. For example, "The company incurred "a considerable debt" to finance its expansion plans."

What are some alternatives to saying "a considerable debt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant obligation", "a substantial liability", or "a large financial burden", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "a considerable debt" or "considerable debts"?

Use "a considerable debt" when referring to a single, large debt. Use "considerable debts" when referring to multiple debts that collectively amount to a significant financial burden.

What's the difference between "a considerable debt" and "a minor debt"?

"A considerable debt" refers to a large, impactful financial obligation, while "a minor debt" indicates a small, less significant amount owed. The choice depends on the scale of the financial obligation you're describing.