accounts payable

USAGE SUMMARY

"accounts payable" is a phrase that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to money that a business or individual owes to a creditor. For example, "The company is currently working to reduce its accounts payable before the end of the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not having this number can leave invoices lingering in accounts-payable purgatory, and it is unlikely that accounts payable will call to tell you.

The New York Times

THE CROWD Accounts Payable flash mob!

The New York Times

Its accounts payable increased by $19 million.

The New York Times

In accounts payable, instructing your Zumba class, making your sandwich.

The Guardian - Opinion

I did the bookkeeping and learned everything from payroll to accounts payable to warranties.

The New York Times

With the exception of bookkeeping, everything had to be tailored, including accounts payable and accounts receivable.

The New York Times

She started working at Brooks Brothers in 1977, in accounts payable; he in 1979, in purchasing.

The New York Times

His mother is the accounts payable clerk for the American Cancer Society, in San Francisco.

The New York Times - Style

He asked for "accounts payable" and got a voice-mail line.

The New York Times - Magazine

Of the 800 positions, about 300 involve back-office duties like accounts payable and technology support.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"How you handle accounts-payable doesn't determine your competitiveness," he says.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business communications, always use consistent terminology. If you start with "accounts payable", stick with it throughout the document.

Common error

A common mistake is using "accounts payable" and "accounts receivable" interchangeably. Remember that "accounts payable" represents your company's obligations, while "accounts receivable" represents money owed to your company. Always double-check which one you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accounts payable" functions primarily as a noun phrase referring to the short-term debts a company owes to its suppliers or creditors. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in financial and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accounts payable" is a common noun phrase referring to the short-term debts a company owes to its suppliers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and financial reporting. It's crucial to differentiate it from "accounts receivable", which represents the money owed to the company. When writing about finance, using "accounts payable" correctly ensures clarity and precision. Understanding its function and purpose is essential for accurate financial communication. Alternative phrases, such as "amounts payable" or "outstanding debts", can be used depending on the desired level of formality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amounts payable

Rephrases the concept using a slightly more descriptive term, focusing on the sum of money owed.

outstanding debts

Emphasizes the debt aspect, highlighting that these are amounts that are yet to be paid.

trade payables

Specifically refers to debts owed to suppliers for goods or services, adding a trade context.

vendor liabilities

Highlights the liability aspect from the perspective of obligations to vendors.

short-term liabilities to suppliers

Specifies the type and duration of the liability, adding detail and precision.

what is owed to suppliers

Rephrases the term in a more explanatory and less technical manner.

supplier obligations

Focuses on the company's obligations towards its suppliers.

invoice liabilities

Directly refers to liabilities arising from unpaid invoices.

bills payable

Simplifies the term to focus on the bills that need to be paid.

creditor payments

Highlights the payments due to creditors, shifting the focus to the payment aspect.

FAQs

How do I properly use "accounts payable" in a sentence?

You can use "accounts payable" to refer to the money a company owes to its suppliers. For example, "The company is working to reduce its "accounts payable" by negotiating better payment terms with vendors."

What's the difference between "accounts payable" and "accounts receivable"?

"Accounts payable" refers to the money a company owes to its suppliers, while "accounts receivable" refers to the money owed to the company by its customers. They are opposite sides of the financial ledger.

Are there simpler terms I can use instead of "accounts payable"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "outstanding debts", "what is owed to suppliers", or simply "bills payable".

How does "accounts payable" affect a company's balance sheet?

"Accounts payable" is listed as a current liability on a company's balance sheet, reflecting the short-term obligations the company has to its creditors.