by a substantial write-off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a substantial write-off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in financial contexts to describe a significant reduction in the value of an asset or debt that is no longer expected to be collected. Example: "The company reported a loss for the quarter, primarily driven by a substantial write-off of bad debts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For now, Greece's crippling debt burden can only be solved by a substantial write-off.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Laidlaw's other businesses are profitable, but analysts and investors have speculated that a substantial write-off of its asset base is in store.

The New York Times

The couple mistakenly took a substantial write-off for the cost of inventory one year early on, when it turned out that the deduction was supposed to be taken gradually as the merchandise was sold.

The New York Times

The IMF boss, Christine Lagarde, warned the Europeans that the Washington-based fund will not participate in further bailouts without a substantial debt write-off.

The Guardian - Opinion

AOL Time Warner said that in the fourth quarter it expected to take a substantial noncash write-off for the declining value of its AOL businesses.

The New York Times

But in addition to the savings that will be gained from no longer having to store the discs, Universal could be in line for a substantial tax write-off as a result of the donation.

The New York Times - Arts

Other financial institutions, including Merrill Lynch, have also had to take substantial write-offs.

The New York Times

The IMF's "debt sustainability analysis", which was published by the Washington-based lender after parts of it were leaked to the media, suggested Greece may need a 30-year moratorium on repayments; or a substantial "haircut" – a partial write-off of its debts.

The Guardian

However, the incumbent APC governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is by no means a write-off.

BBC

This time, GM was hurt by, among other things, a $2.0 billion write-off on automotive leases.

Forbes

This could not have come at a worse time for the government: it is on the verge of securing a new IMF-funded programme, leading to substantial donor funding and a large debt write-off, all of which could be jeopardised by the ongoing crisis.The root of the CAR's instability does not lie within the country, but in its neighbours, Chad and the Darfur region of Sudan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by a substantial write-off", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being written off, such as debt, assets, or inventory. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by a substantial write-off" without specifying the nature of the asset or debt being reduced. For example, instead of saying "the company's losses were due to a substantial write-off", specify "the company's losses were due to a substantial write-off of bad debts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a substantial write-off" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the means or cause of an action or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English. It modifies verbs or clauses to explain how something was achieved or what led to a particular outcome, especially in financial contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by a substantial write-off" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe situations significantly impacted by a reduction in asset value or debt. As per Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is primarily found in financial, business, and news contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing economic events and company performance. While versatile, it's crucial to specify what is being written off to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "through a significant impairment" or "due to a major debt forgiveness" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent: a significant financial reduction has occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through a significant impairment

Focuses on the accounting term 'impairment' rather than 'write-off', implying a reduction in asset value.

due to a major debt forgiveness

Replaces 'write-off' with 'debt forgiveness', emphasizing the cancellation of debt.

resulting from a considerable asset devaluation

Highlights 'asset devaluation' as the cause, specifying the decrease in value.

because of a large markdown

Uses 'markdown' to suggest a reduction in the recorded value of an asset.

via a sizeable balance sheet reduction

Emphasizes the impact on the 'balance sheet', focusing on the overall financial statement effect.

owing to a noteworthy debt discharge

Utilizes 'debt discharge' to convey the release from a debt obligation.

stemming from a sizable credit elimination

Focuses on 'credit elimination', suggesting the removal of a credit entry.

as a consequence of a significant financial adjustment

Replaces the specific term with a more general 'financial adjustment', broadening the scope.

attributed to a remarkable capital reduction

Highlights 'capital reduction' indicating a decrease in the capital account.

linked to a substantial financial loss

Focuses on the outcome, 'financial loss', rather than the accounting mechanism.

FAQs

What does "by a substantial write-off" mean?

The phrase "by a substantial write-off" indicates a significant reduction in the recorded value of an asset or debt. This typically occurs when the asset is deemed to be impaired or the debt is considered uncollectible.

How is "by a substantial write-off" used in financial reporting?

In financial reporting, "by a substantial write-off" implies that a company has recognized a significant loss in value for an asset, which is then reflected in the company's financial statements. This may result in debt forgiveness through "due to a major debt forgiveness".

What are some alternatives to "by a substantial write-off"?

Alternatives to "by a substantial write-off" include phrases such as "through a significant impairment", "resulting from a considerable asset devaluation", or "because of a large markdown", depending on the specific context.

How does a "substantial write-off" impact a company's financial health?

A "substantial write-off" can negatively impact a company's financial health by reducing its assets and/or increasing its liabilities. This can lead to lower profits, reduced equity, and potentially a lower credit rating. In some cases "linked to a substantial financial loss".