advance payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "advance payment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about someone paying money for a service before it is rendered, or for an item before it is shipped. For example: "I made an advance payment for the new computer I ordered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reservations and advance payment required.

The New York Times

Preregistration and advance payment required.

The New York Times

Online reservations and advance payment required.

The New York Times - Travel

Advance payment schemes are also prevalent.

Britannica

Cost: Advance payment registration is $30.

Columbia University

A box lunch is available by advance payment of $12.

The New York Times

I offered him an advance payment of one day's salary.

The New York Times - Magazine

DeLillo spends this advance payment as recklessly as his hero overinvests in loans against the yen.

The New Yorker

And now Atera is requiring advance payment for its $165 prix fixe dinner.

The New York Times

A reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres is included, and advance payment is required.

The New York Times

They are therefore expecting an advance payment in order to establish a basis of trust".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting an "advance payment", clearly specify the amount, the due date, and what it covers to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "advance payment" when you mean an extra payment towards a debt. An "advance payment" is for services or goods before they are rendered, whereas an extra payment reduces an existing balance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advance payment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig showcases examples where it describes a sum paid ahead of a service or product delivery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "advance payment" denotes a payment made before receiving goods or services, a concept validated as correct and usable by Ludwig. It's widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and business, highlighting its versatility and importance. As Ludwig's examples show, this term is key in financial discussions, contracts, and everyday transactions. While interchangeable with terms like "prepayment", understanding its specific use helps prevent confusion with related concepts like "down payments" or extra payments. Remember to clearly specify the amount and terms when requesting or making an "advance payment" to ensure clarity and avoid potential disputes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Payment in advance

A more verbose but direct synonym.

Prepayment

Focuses on the act of paying before the due date or service delivery.

Upfront payment

Highlights that the payment is made at the beginning.

Down payment

Specifically refers to an initial payment made when buying something on credit.

Preliminary payment

Indicates an early or preparatory payment.

Initial installment

Emphasizes the first payment in a series of payments.

Front-end payment

Focuses on the timing of the payment at the beginning of a transaction.

Deposit

Often used for reservations or securing services.

Partial payment

Indicates that only a portion of the total amount is paid initially.

Early payment

Highlights that the payment is made before the standard due date.

FAQs

How is an "advance payment" different from a deposit?

Both involve paying money upfront, but a deposit often secures a service or item and may be refundable, while an "advance payment" is a partial or full payment for goods or services before they are provided and may not be refundable.

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

A "down payment" is typically a percentage of the total cost of a large purchase made on credit, like a house or car. An "advance payment" can be any upfront payment for goods or services.

Is it ever not a good idea to make an "advance payment"?

If you are uncertain about the reliability of the provider or the quality of the goods/services, it may be risky to make an "advance payment". Research the provider's reputation beforehand.

What's another way to say "pay in advance"?

You can use phrases such as "prepay", "upfront payment", or "payment in advance" depending on the context.