deposit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'deposit' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'deposit' in a sentence when referring to a sum of money or some kind of asset that has been given as an advance or a guarantee. Example: She had to pay a large deposit on her apartment before she moved in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Provided GNM has received your notice of cancellation within this time frame (and acknowledged your notice), GNM will refund any fees received from you less the deposit where applicable.

The Guardian

It's a serious hassle to shut down a bank account and transfer money to a new one, especially with direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and the like.

The Economist

Also ask where your deposit is held: landlords must protect your deposit in a government-authorised scheme, and inform you of the details.

The Guardian

Lucian Cook of property firm Savills says the £12,000 limit on savings should prevent a surge in house prices and means the scheme is "more likely to help get buyers over the deposit hurdle in the lower-value, lower-growth markets of the Midlands and the north than say London and the south-east, where significant constraints remain".

The Guardian - Money

First-time buyers are being offered up to £3,000 each to put down as a home deposit through a new help-to-buy Isa unveiled in the chancellor's budget.

The Guardian - Money

I studied at university for seven years, undertook unpaid internships and have a career development loan at a figure that would cover the deposit for a pretty decent house.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of the rural poor live far from banks, and making day-long journeys to make a deposit or withdrawal result in loss of a day's pay.

The Guardian

The figures are based on a 10% deposit and borrowing the remaining 90%, with loans at 4.5 times salary.

The Guardian - Business

She adds: "Twice this week I've received cheques made out to my maiden name which I'm not able to deposit".

The Guardian - Money

If chosen, a formal offer will be made in writing (email or letter) at which point the successful candidate will be required to pay a deposit (details of which are contained in the relevant Guardian Masterclass information).

The Guardian

Prosecutor Edmund Hall said on Thursday the total value of the goods stolen from 73 safety deposit boxes ran "in excess of £10m".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial contexts, clearly state the purpose of the "deposit", such as a down payment for a house or funds placed in a bank account.

Common error

Don't assume your "deposit" is automatically protected. Always verify that landlords have placed your "deposit" in a government-approved scheme and have provided you with the necessary documentation.

Linguistic Context

The word "deposit" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a sum of money placed in an account or given as security. It can also function as a verb, meaning to place or entrust something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "deposit" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb, most commonly associated with financial transactions and security payments. It's considered grammatically correct and widely used, as validated by Ludwig AI. When writing, specify the type of "deposit" you are referring to (e.g., security "deposit", down "deposit") to avoid ambiguity. Ensure you understand "deposit" protection schemes to safeguard your funds. Related terms include "down payment" and "security deposit", each carrying specific nuances. Ludwig’s examples confirm the word’s prevalence across diverse fields, solidifying its status as an integral part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down payment

This term is typically used in the context of purchasing goods or property, representing an initial payment.

security deposit

This specifically refers to money given as security, often for rentals, and is returned if no damage occurs.

initial installment

Similar to a down payment, but may imply a structured payment plan.

monetary lodgement

A more formal way to describe placing money into an account.

sum on account

Emphasizes that the money is held within an account.

collateral payment

A payment used as a guarantee for a loan or debt.

good faith payment

Highlights that the payment signifies sincerity and commitment.

advance payment

Indicates that the payment is made ahead of a service or product delivery.

lodged funds

Focuses on the action of placing funds safely.

funds on account

Emphasizes the status of the money being available.

FAQs

How is a "deposit" different from a down payment?

While both involve an initial payment, a "deposit" can be for various purposes like reserving an item or securing a rental, while a "down payment" specifically refers to a portion of the full purchase price, typically for larger items like a house or car.

What are some synonyms for "deposit" in a financial context?

In financial contexts, you can use terms like "lodgement", "funds on account", or "sum on account", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I ensure my rental "deposit" is protected?

Landlords in many regions are legally required to protect your "deposit" in a government-approved scheme. Always ask for confirmation and details of the scheme they are using and verify the information. Failure to do so can result in penalties for the landlord.

When can a landlord legally withhold my "deposit"?

A landlord can withhold your "deposit" to cover unpaid rent, damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs if the property is not left in a reasonably clean condition. They must provide an itemized list of deductions and justification for each.