a final payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a final payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the last amount of money that needs to be paid in a transaction or agreement. Example: "After months of installments, I finally made a final payment on my car loan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Finally, do not make a final payment until you are satisfied.

WikiHow

A final payment is made after the job is completed.

The New York Times

(d Failure to submit a final payment request.

Cornell University

He said they made a final payment of $9,524 on Thursday.

The New York Times

Then, in February, they received a final payment of $500 as the recruits departed for Iraq.

The Washington Post

It will receive $50 million in 2004 and a final payment of $40 million in 2005.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But because the spill's full effects may not be known for years, it may be difficult for claimants or Mr. Feinberg to make more than informed judgments about what is a fair final payment.

The New York Times

Once you agree on a price, make sure to split the payments in such a way that the final payment (a substantial portion of the total amount) will be made only when the work has been fully completed and you have signed off on it.

Forbes

Both clubs were given more time by a High Court registrar to make a "full and final" payment to HM Revenue and Customs of VAT and PAYE debts.

The Guardian - Sport

Some people are more comfortable with a single fixed monthly payment and a pre-determined final payment date.

Huffington Post

Submission of an approved termination form by a department results in final payment to an employee, including any final salary payments, any accrued but unused vacation balance, and, in the case of retirement, payment for sick leave for support staff (under Section 4.3.15) or for service staff (under the relevant union contract).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project-based payments, clarify that the "final payment" is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the work. This manages expectations and ensures quality.

Common error

Avoid using "final payment" to describe the overall cost of something. "Final payment" refers specifically to the last installment in a series of payments, not the entire amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a final payment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to the concluding installment of a financial transaction. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a final payment" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase referring to the last installment of a financial obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discussions. The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using "a final payment", ensure clarity regarding the conditions for its release, especially in project-based scenarios, and avoid confusing it with the total cost of a product or service.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last installment

Focuses on the concluding aspect of a series of payments, emphasizing the end of the payment schedule.

the concluding remittance

Highlights the act of sending money as the last in a series, suitable for formal contexts.

the ultimate disbursement

Emphasizes the act of distributing funds as the very last one, often used in financial or legal settings.

settlement in full

Refers to paying the entire outstanding amount, marking the end of a financial obligation.

the final transaction

Highlights the last financial exchange, suitable when discussing a sequence of transactions.

the outstanding balance paid

Emphasizes the clearance of any remaining debt, marking the completion of payments.

the last defrayal

Focuses on the act of providing money to cover costs as the final instance.

the terminal payment

Highlights the payment that concludes an agreement, emphasizing the ending nature.

the concluding compensation

Highlights the final payment made as a compensation for something.

full and final settlement

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and finality of the payment, often used in legal agreements.

FAQs

How is "a final payment" typically used in a sentence?

"A final payment" is often used to describe the last installment made to complete a financial obligation, such as a loan or a service agreement. For example: "He made "a final payment" on his mortgage today".

What are some alternatives to saying "a final payment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the last installment", "settlement in full", or "the concluding remittance".

Is it correct to withhold "a final payment" if services are not completed?

Yes, it is generally acceptable to withhold "a final payment" if the agreed-upon services or deliverables have not been satisfactorily completed. This is a common practice to ensure quality and adherence to contract terms.

What's the difference between "a final payment" and "a down payment"?

"A final payment" is the last payment made to complete a financial obligation, whereas "a down payment" is an initial payment made at the beginning of a transaction to secure a purchase or service.