chasing debts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chasing debts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is actively pursuing or trying to collect money that is owed to them. Example: "The company has been chasing debts for months, trying to recover the outstanding payments from clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Other sundries, including the £2.6m that Wonga had to pay in compensation after it was caught chasing debts with letters from pretend lawyers.

The Guardian - Business

He has $468.5 million in savings on that list, which isn't nothing, but most of it — $412.1 million — would come from selling land, chasing debts owed the state, selling a prison, using managed care in a prison health program and charging state employees a fee for insured dependents who can get health insurance elsewhere.

The New York Times

Even up to last week, nine years later, I receive letters from these firms addressed to the previous owners chasing debts they incurred.

BBC

These methods of chasing debts should be mandatory for example a simple check of voter registration would give a good indication that the previous owner of my house no longer lives at this address.

BBC

There are families facing homelessness, young people emigrating, and, for those who can't emigrate, people stuck in a rut, constantly chasing debts and worrying about their future.

Vice

This provides a huge incentive for clubs to run efficiently and to avoid getting into a position where they are chasing debts and trying to recover lost finances.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"My greatest worry is working all my life, constantly chasing debt and never being to own a house or have children.

The Guardian

The advantages of using this system is the time saved chasing debt; the payment is in our account instead of sitting with our customers.

The Guardian

"Our guiding philosophy is 'investment, investment, investment.' " Even if many such projects turn out to be wishful thinking, economists have expressed alarm that municipalities are still chasing debt-financed growth.

The New York Times

As well as dealing with the physical strain of looking after his daughter, he is also having to deal with utilities companies chasing debt because he cannot afford to run the electrical equipment that keeps Amélie alive.

The Guardian

Project London also argues that chasing debt incurred by foreign patients is more expensive than writing it off.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial matters, using the phrase "chasing debts" can add a sense of urgency or persistence. However, be mindful of the context. In formal reports, consider using more neutral terms like "debt collection" or "debt recovery".

Common error

Avoid using "chasing debts" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sound less professional than alternatives like "debt recovery" or "debt collection", which are more appropriate for those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chasing debts" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where "chasing" acts as a gerund describing the action of actively pursuing the recovery of outstanding payments. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chasing debts" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the active pursuit of recovering outstanding payments. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and business reporting. While alternatives such as "debt collection" or "debt recovery" may be preferred in more formal or academic writing, "chasing debts" effectively conveys a sense of urgency and persistence. It is a versatile phrase found in reputable sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times, and while it should be used judiciously in formal contexts, its prevalence confirms its acceptability in general usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Debt collection

This is a more formal and general term for the process of recovering debts.

Pursuing debts

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the active effort to recover money.

Recovering debts

Focuses on the successful retrieval of money owed.

Collecting debts

Similar to "debt collection", but can also refer to gathering or accumulating debt.

Going after debts

More informal, suggesting a determined effort to obtain payment.

Enforcing debt repayment

Highlights the legal or official aspect of compelling payment.

Demanding payment

Focuses on the act of requesting the owed money.

Pressing for payment

Suggests persistent efforts to get the money.

Seeking debt retrieval

Emphasizes the intention to get back the money owed.

Calling in debts

Suggests a formal or official request for immediate payment.

FAQs

What does "chasing debts" mean?

"Chasing debts" refers to the act of actively pursuing individuals or entities to recover money that is owed. It implies persistent efforts to collect outstanding payments.

What are some alternatives to saying "chasing debts"?

Alternatives include "debt collection", "pursuing debts", or "recovering debts". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "chasing debts" formal or informal?

"Chasing debts" is generally considered less formal than terms like "debt recovery". It is suitable for news articles and general business contexts but might be less appropriate for academic papers.

How can I use "chasing debts" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The company is chasing debts from its clients to improve its cash flow." or "Small businesses often spend significant time chasing debts owed to them."