balance outstanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"balance outstanding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it to refer to the amount owed on a bill or loan that has not yet been paid. For example, "I recently received an invoice from my doctor informing me of the balance outstanding on my account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For every down-payment, after all, there is a balance outstanding.

The Economist

"When a meter reader subsequently visited the property, we were given a true reading for his account and found there was a £1,000 balance outstanding.

Independent

Total balance outstanding: $179 million.

Forbes

The stranded cost is the investment balance outstanding when a generation unit is forced to shut down because it is not economically competitive.

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That accounts for nearly the entire $134 billion decline in revolving credit balances outstanding in the same period.

The New York Times

Eighty institutions offer more than 250 credit card products in Australia, with the four major banks accounting for about 70% of balances outstanding.

The Guardian

Amex's charge-offs of debt deemed unrecoverable have climbed in a few months from unusually low levels to well above the historic average of 4.8% of balances outstanding.

The Economist

The current balance of outstanding loans – £24bn – is expected to rise to £70bn by 2015-16, the report says.

The Guardian

Every time you log on to Yodlee its computers visit your other financial Web sites, collecting data from your checking account balance, your outstanding credit balance and even your frequent-flier mileage.

Forbes

His alphabet was a bit of a failure (I couldn't understand what he was saying, probably something about pasta), but his balance was outstanding.

Vice

The Treasury didn't force the banks to write down these loans, and billions in balances remain outstanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "balance outstanding" in formal communications, such as invoices, financial reports, or legal documents.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "balance outstanding" (referring to a debt) with "outstanding performance" (referring to excellence). The context should make the intended meaning clear, but clarity in word choice is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balance outstanding" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates the amount of money that remains to be paid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "balance outstanding" is a grammatically sound and usable term referring to an unpaid amount on an account or loan. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples across various contexts. While generally neutral to formal in tone, its use is most common in news, business, and scientific reporting, as seen in the sources analyzed. Remembering this phrase applies specifically to financial debts and differentiating it from expressions like "outstanding performance" is key to correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding debt

Focuses on the debt aspect rather than the general balance.

amount due

Emphasizes the obligation to pay a specific sum.

unpaid balance

Highlights the lack of payment on the balance.

remaining balance

Stresses what's left to be paid of the total amount.

debt outstanding

Inverts the original phrase while retaining the meaning.

account balance due

Adds specificity by including "account".

payments due

Focuses on the payment aspect of the obligation.

arrears

A more concise term for unpaid debts, often overdue.

unsettled account

Emphasizes that the financial matter is not yet resolved.

open balance

Indicates that the balance is still active and requires attention.

FAQs

How do I inquire about my "balance outstanding"?

Contact the creditor or service provider directly, referencing your account number and asking for the current "balance outstanding". Many companies offer online portals for checking your "account balance".

What happens if I don't pay the "balance outstanding"?

Failure to pay a "balance outstanding" can lead to late fees, interest charges, a negative impact on your credit score, and potential legal action from the creditor. It's important to address debts promptly.

What's the difference between "balance outstanding" and "total amount due"?

"Balance outstanding" refers to the remaining amount owed on an account, while "total amount due" may include additional fees or charges. The "total amount due" represents the final sum needed to settle the account.

Can I negotiate a lower payment for my "balance outstanding"?

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan or a reduced settlement amount with the creditor, especially if you're facing financial hardship. Contact them to discuss your options.