be able to repay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to repay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity or ability to pay back a loan or debt. Example: "If I receive my paycheck on time, I will be able to repay the loan by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'll never be able to repay him".

The New York Times - Sports

I wouldn't be able to repay it!

The Guardian - Money

He just hopes that TAV will be able to repay its debt.

The Economist

The only way debtors will be able to repay their obligations is through faster growth.

The New York Times

Investors fear that it, like Greece, may not be able to repay its public debts.

The Economist

Sell your assets, their contrived argument goes, and you'll be able to repay your debt.

Independent

These students have large loans, too, but they'll be able to repay them.

The New Yorker

If I am dead, I will never be able to repay them".

The Guardian

An organ is a gift that they will never be able to repay.

The New York Times

Many feared the banks, particularly in Southern Europe, would not be able to repay the short-term loans.

The New York Times

As a result, Moody's said, Qwest might not be able to repay $3.4 billion in bank loans due next May.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial obligations, clearly state the terms and conditions under which someone will "be able to repay" a debt. Include specific factors like income, interest rates, and repayment schedules.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone will "be able to repay" a debt based on overly optimistic projections. Conduct a thorough assessment of their financial situation and consider potential risks and uncertainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to repay" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the capacity or potential to fulfill a financial obligation. Ludwig examples show it's used in contexts concerning loans, debts, and financial solvency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to repay" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the capacity to fulfill a financial obligation. Ludwig's analysis, sourced from a variety of reputable publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, shows it's most frequently used in news and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately assessing the factors influencing someone's ability to repay a debt and avoid making overly optimistic assumptions. Alternatives like "be capable of repaying" or "have the means to repay" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be able to pay back

Uses "pay back" instead of "repay", which is slightly less formal.

be capable of repaying

Replaces "able" with "capable", suggesting a natural ability or skill.

have the capacity to repay

Similar to 'be capable of repaying', but slightly more formal.

be in a position to repay

Focuses on the circumstances or situation allowing repayment.

have the means to repay

Emphasizes the availability of resources or funds for repayment.

be financially able to repay

Specifies that the ability to repay is due to financial capacity.

manage to repay

Suggests that the repayment may require effort or overcoming obstacles.

be resourceful enough to repay

Highlights the resourcefulness needed for repayment, especially in difficult circumstances.

be solvent enough to repay

Indicates that the entity is not bankrupt and can meet its financial obligations.

be creditworthy enough to repay

Implies that the entity's credit history supports the ability to repay.

FAQs

How can I use "be able to repay" in a sentence?

You can use "be able to repay" to discuss someone's ability to pay back a debt. For example, "If I get a better job, I will "be able to repay" my student loans more quickly."

What can I say instead of "be able to repay"?

Alternatives include "be capable of repaying", "be in a position to repay", or "have the means to repay", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "be able to repay" or "be able to pay back"?

"Be able to repay" and "be able to pay back" are largely interchangeable, but "be able to repay" is slightly more formal and often preferred in financial or business contexts.

What factors determine if someone will "be able to repay" a loan?

Key factors include their income, expenses, existing debts, credit score, and the terms of the loan, such as the interest rate and repayment schedule.