accumulate debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accumulate debt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial matters, particularly in the context of borrowing money or increasing one's financial obligations over time. Example: "Many students accumulate debt while pursuing their education, which can take years to pay off after graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But this encouraged Haiti to accumulate debt.

The Economist

"But as it becomes socially acceptable for everyone to accumulate debt, everyone does".

The New York Times

He's right that the tax-deductibility of interest encourages companies to accumulate debt.

The New Yorker

Students pay a lot, accumulate debt, and graduate with little to show.

The New Yorker

Someone with a low discount rate will save money and accumulate interest; someone with a high discount rate will borrow and accumulate debt.

The New York Times

The movement's teachings also demand "a righteous wage in exchange for a full day's work". Members refuse to accumulate debt, and they possess neither credit nor life insurance.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

That law let companies accumulate debts with impunity and resulted in a tangle of unpaid bills that choked the economy.

The New York Times

And, counselors say, the students are accumulating debt.

The New York Times

Accumulated debt forced Southland to seek bankruptcy protection in 1990.

The New York Times

I had spent the year numbly accumulating debt.

The New Yorker

Accumulated debt outside the instrument loan stands at $4.5 million.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial responsibility, using "accumulate debt" helps to clearly state the process of increasing one's financial burdens. For example, specify how actions or policies might lead individuals or institutions to "accumulate debt".

Common error

Avoid using "accumulate debt" in a context where the increase in financial obligation is a positive outcome. Ensure the connotation aligns with the generally negative implications of increasing debt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accumulate debt" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, where "accumulate" describes the action of gradually increasing the amount of debt, and "debt" serves as the object. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accumulate debt" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of increasing one's financial obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various writing contexts. It carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for news reports, academic analyses, and everyday conversations. While alternatives like "incur debt" or "build up debt" exist, "accumulate debt" emphasizes the gradual increase of debt over time. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the generally negative implications of increased financial burdens. As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, "accumulate debt" is frequently used when discussing student loans, national finances, and the potential pitfalls of credit card spending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incur debt

Focuses on the action of taking on debt.

acquire debt

Emphasizes the obtaining of debt.

build up debt

Suggests a gradual increase in debt over time.

pile up debt

Highlights the rapid increase of debt.

run up debt

Implies an increase in debt, often quickly or carelessly.

rack up debt

Similar to "run up debt", but can imply more reckless spending.

increase debt

A more straightforward way of saying the debt is getting larger.

grow debt

Suggests the debt is expanding.

accrue debt

Highlights the gradual accumulation of debt, often through interest.

amass debt

Implies accumulating a large amount of debt.

FAQs

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

You can use "accumulate debt" to describe the process of gradually increasing the amount of money owed. For example, "Students often "accumulate debt" to pay for tuition and living expenses."

What are some alternatives to "accumulate debt"?

Alternatives include "incur debt", "acquire debt", or "build up debt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "accumulate debt"?

Yes, "accumulate debt" is grammatically correct. "Accumulate" is a verb, and "debt" is a noun, forming a standard verb-noun phrase.

What's the difference between "accumulate debt" and "pay off debt"?

"Accumulate debt" refers to the process of increasing the amount of debt owed, while "pay off debt" refers to the process of reducing or eliminating debt.