cash only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cash only" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a business or service accepts only cash as a form of payment, not credit or debit cards. Example: "Please note that this food truck operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to bring cash for your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cash only.

The New York Times - Travel

cash only, euros accepted.

The New Yorker

Cash only, please.

The New Yorker

Cash only, Mr. American.

The New Yorker

B.Y.O.B. Cash only.

The New York Times

Cash only, though?

The New York Times - Food

Parking is cash only.

Harvard University

"No, cash only," he said.

The New York Times

Crafts sales are cash only.

The New York Times - Arts

"Cash only," said the driver.

The New York Times

Cash only (A.T.M. on premises).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that a business only accepts cash, place a clear and visible sign to inform customers beforehand. This prevents inconvenience and ensures smooth transactions.

Common error

Avoid stating "cash only" while implying alternative payment methods are acceptable. Clearly communicate that only cash payments are permissible to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cash only" primarily functions as an adjective phrase or modifier. It describes a condition or restriction related to payment methods, indicating that only cash is acceptable. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cash only" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase indicating that only cash payments are accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Formal & Business" contexts, its neutral register makes it broadly applicable. For alternative expressions, consider "cash payments only" or "we only accept cash" for greater explicitness, or "no credit cards accepted" to imply the same. To ensure clear communication, businesses should prominently display the "cash only" policy to prevent customer inconvenience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cash payments only

More explicit and formal.

We only accept cash

Directly states the acceptance policy.

Cash transactions only

Emphasizes the type of transaction.

Paying with cash is required

Highlights the necessity of using cash.

Only cash is accepted

Passive voice, focusing on what is accepted.

No credit cards accepted

Focuses on what is not accepted, implying cash is the only option.

Exact change preferred

Implies cash is preferred and sometimes the only option.

Cash is the sole form of payment

Formal and emphatic.

Pay in hard currency

Emphasizes physical money.

Greenbacks only

Informal term for US dollars, specifies currency and cash requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "cash only" in a sentence?

You can use "cash only" to indicate that a business or service does not accept credit cards or other forms of electronic payment. For example, "The restaurant is "cash only", so be sure to bring enough money".

What can I say instead of "cash only"?

Alternatives to "cash only" include "cash payments only", "we only accept cash", or "only cash is accepted". Each conveys the same message, but with slightly different emphasis.

Is it acceptable to say "cash only accepted"?

Yes, "cash only accepted" is grammatically sound and means the same as "cash only". Both indicate that only cash payments are permissible.

Which is more formal, "cash only" or "cash payments only"?

Cash payments only tends to be slightly more formal than "cash only" because it's more explicit. However, both are widely understood and acceptable in most contexts.