cash flow

USAGE SUMMARY

"cash flow" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to the movement of money through a business, organization, or individual's accounts. For example, "The company's cash flow has been positive for the last six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No cash flow.

The New York Times

That's about cash flow.

The New York Times

They need cash flow".

The New York Times - Sports

Cash flow is emphasized.

The New York Times

Cash flow, I'd guess.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cash flow is improving.

The New York Times - Tech

Private equity appreciates cash flow.

The Economist

"It's all about cash flow.

The New York Times

I'm worried about cash flow.

The New York Times

That's the primary cash flow.

The New Yorker

Cash flow per screen plummeted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a company's financial health, consider both its profitability and its "cash flow". Profitability is an accounting measure, while "cash flow" indicates the actual money coming in and going out.

Common error

Don't assume that high profits automatically mean healthy "cash flow". A company can be profitable on paper but still struggle with "cash flow" problems if it doesn't manage its receivables and payables effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cash flow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the movement of money into and out of a business, project, or financial product, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cash flow" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the movement of money into and out of a business, project, or financial product. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's a critical metric in financial analysis, used to assess liquidity and financial health. While the term appears across various contexts, it's most frequently used in business, finance, and economic discussions. Remember to differentiate between profit and "cash flow", as profitability does not guarantee healthy "cash flow". Alternatives like "money flow", "revenue stream", and "liquidity position" can be used depending on the specific context. Understanding and managing "cash flow" is essential for the success and sustainability of any business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

money flow

Focuses on the movement of money, which is a core component of cash flow.

revenue stream

Highlights the incoming flow of money, specifically from revenue generation.

liquidity position

Emphasizes the ability to meet short-term obligations, reflecting healthy cash flow.

financial turnover

Indicates the rate at which assets are converted into cash.

capital inflows

Highlights the entry of capital into a business or economy.

funding stream

Focuses on the consistent source of funding, impacting overall cash availability.

net income

Refers to the profit after all expenses, closely related to cash flow.

available capital

Denotes the readily accessible funds a business has.

cash reserves

Highlights the amount of cash a company has on hand.

working capital

Focuses on the difference between current assets and liabilities, impacting daily operations.

FAQs

How is "cash flow" used in financial analysis?

"Cash flow" is a critical metric for evaluating a company's financial health. It helps assess its ability to pay debts, fund operations, and make investments. Analysts often look at different types of "cash flow", such as operating cash flow, investing cash flow, and financing cash flow.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cash flow"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "money flow", "revenue stream", or "liquidity position". These phrases emphasize different aspects of the movement of funds.

How does positive "cash flow" benefit a business?

Positive "cash flow" indicates that a business has more money coming in than going out. This allows the company to cover its expenses, invest in growth opportunities, and weather unexpected financial challenges. Without it, a company may have trouble meeting its obligations.

What is the difference between "cash flow" and profit?

"Cash flow" represents the actual movement of cash in and out of a business, while profit is an accounting measure of revenue minus expenses. A company can be profitable but still have "cash flow" issues if it's not collecting payments quickly enough or managing its spending effectively.