going into debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going into debt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial situations where an individual or entity borrows money or incurs liabilities. Example: "Many students find themselves going into debt to pay for their education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm going into debt.

The New York Times - Magazine

I spent four years going into debt.

The New York Times

Instead they are going into debt.

The New York Times

They are going into debt thinking they will beat inflation.

The New York Times

As every family knows, going into debt in order to send a child to college is fundamentally different from going into debt to take an ocean cruise.

The New York Times

"They've been going into debt to finance everyday expenses because incomes aren't rising," he said.

The New York Times

They wouldn't want me and my husband going into debt for them.

The Washington Post

Australian governments had a similar experience in trying to finance public infrastructure without going into debt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others will have kept arrears at bay by going into debt, sometimes borrowing from payday lenders.

The Guardian

"At least we won't be going into debt for Christmas," she said.

The New York Times

Most people can't get a college degree without going into debt.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the reasons for "going into debt", provide specific context, such as "going into debt" for education or medical expenses to add clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid framing all instances of "going into debt" as inherently negative. Sometimes, strategic debt can lead to long-term gains, such as investing in education or a business.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going into debt" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. It describes the action or process of incurring financial obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going into debt" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe incurring financial obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptance and usability. While often associated with negative consequences, the examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate that the phrase can be used in various contexts, including discussions about investments, education, and economic strategies. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication about financial matters. It's important to consider alternatives like "incurring debt" or "accumulating debt" to fine-tune the message based on the specific situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incurring debt

Focuses more on the action of acquiring debt rather than the process.

accumulating debt

Suggests a gradual build-up of debt over time.

running up debt

Implies a more rapid and potentially reckless accumulation of debt.

falling into debt

Highlights the negative aspect of debt as an undesirable situation.

getting into debt

A more general and informal way to express the same concept.

borrowing money

Focuses specifically on acquiring debt through loans.

taking on debt

Emphasizes the acceptance of responsibility for the debt.

owing money

Describes the state of being in debt.

becoming indebted

A more formal way of saying getting into debt.

mortgaging the future

Figuratively describes the long-term consequences of incurring debt.

FAQs

When is "going into debt" a reasonable decision?

Sometimes "going into debt" can be justified when it enables investments in assets that appreciate over time, such as education, real estate, or business ventures.

What are some alternatives to "going into debt"?

Depending on the context, you might consider using phrases like "incurring debt", "accumulating debt", or "falling into debt".

How does "going into debt" differ from "borrowing money"?

"Borrowing money" specifically refers to receiving funds from a lender, while "going into debt" is a broader term that encompasses any form of financial obligation, including credit card balances or unpaid bills.

What are the potential consequences of "going into debt"?

Going into debt can lead to financial strain, reduced credit scores, and long-term financial instability if not managed responsibly.