extending credit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extending credit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in financial contexts when discussing the act of providing credit or loans to individuals or businesses. Example: "The bank is extending credit to small businesses to help them recover from the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In March, banks simply stopped extending credit.

The New York Times

"Their risk controls are stronger in extending credit".

The New York Times

Microfinance is about much more than extending credit.

Harvard Business Review

Extending credit is, ultimately, a joint decision taken by the bank and the client.

The Economist

But, in a new departure, Latin American development banks have begun extending credit to Spanish firms.

The Economist

J. P. Morgan was also too blasé in extending credit to private-equity buyers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Banks, flush with deposits to lend out, have eased their standards for extending credit.

The New York Times

Lowenstein writes that JPMorgan Chase was "too blasé in extending credit".

The New York Times - Magazine

With once-respected companies like WorldCom having collapsed, bondholders have become wary of extending credit.

The New York Times

Yet even as he defrauds his victims, he lectures them on the importance of extending credit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lenders who sell their mortgages to Fannie and Freddie are becoming more skittish about extending credit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial topics, use "extending credit" to clearly indicate the act of providing credit or loans, particularly in formal contexts. For instance: "The bank is considering "extending credit" to small businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "extending credit" in overly general contexts where simpler terms like "helping" or "supporting" might be more appropriate. "Extending credit" implies a specific financial transaction and should be used accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extending credit" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of offering or providing credit. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely applicable in financial contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extending credit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in financial and business contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes the act of providing credit or loans. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. While alternatives like "granting credit" and "providing credit" exist, "extending credit" is a direct and clear way to convey the action of making credit available. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the formality of a financial transaction rather than a general act of assistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

granting credit

Focuses on the act of formally awarding or allowing credit.

providing credit

Highlights the act of supplying or making credit available.

offering credit

Emphasizes the proposition or presentation of credit to a potential borrower.

issuing credit

Indicates the formal creation and distribution of credit, often by a financial institution.

giving credit

A more general term for providing credit, suitable for various contexts.

lending money

Focuses specifically on the act of providing funds with the expectation of repayment.

advancing funds

Highlights the act of providing money upfront, often in anticipation of future payment.

making loans

Emphasizes the creation and provision of formal loan agreements.

supplying capital

Focuses on the provision of financial resources for investment or operational purposes.

financing ventures

Highlights the act of providing funds specifically for business undertakings.

FAQs

What does "extending credit" mean?

"Extending credit" refers to the act of providing loans or credit facilities to individuals or businesses, often by financial institutions.

What can I say instead of "extending credit"?

You can use alternatives like "granting credit", "providing credit", or "offering credit" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "extending credit"?

It is appropriate to use "extending credit" when specifically discussing the act of providing financial credit or loans, particularly in business or financial contexts. For example "The bank is "extending credit" to small businesses."

What is the difference between "extending credit" and "giving credit"?

While both phrases refer to providing credit, "extending credit" often implies a more formal or official arrangement, while "giving credit" can be used in a broader range of contexts.