improper payments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper payments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to financial transactions, particularly when referring to payments that are not made according to regulations or standards. Example: "The audit revealed several instances of improper payments that need to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain services may be more susceptible than others to improper payments.

The New York Times

"Medical device manufacturers must not be permitted to use improper payments to cloud that judgment".

The New York Times

The G.A.O. said the Agriculture Department had had some success in finding improper payments.

The New York Times

The administration does not try to define the difference between proper and improper payments.

The New York Times - Health

And courts have ruled that insurance covering similar kinds of improper payments isn't enforceable.

The New York Times

"It's estimated that improper payments cost taxpayers almost $100 billion last year alone," he said.

The New York Times

He also said Medicare had reduced improper payments in the last two years.

The New York Times

He said he had been unaware of the improper payments until the investigation started.

The New York Times

Fraudulent and improper payments have long bedeviled Medicare, a $466 billion program.

The New York Times

"The agency has aggressively targeted fraud and improper payments in the D.M.E.

The New York Times

coach engaged in academic fraud and made improper payments to students two years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports, explicitly define what constitutes "improper payments" within the specific context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "improper payments" when referring to minor accounting mistakes. Reserve this term for instances of intentional rule violations or significant negligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper payments" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing financial irregularities and violations of rules or laws. It identifies a category of payments that are not made according to established standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improper payments" is a common phrase used to describe financial transactions that violate established rules or laws. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and formal business contexts. While the term is generally neutral, it implies potential ethical or legal concerns. To ensure clarity in writing, defining the specific context of "improper payments" is crucial, and it's important to distinguish it from simple accounting errors. Alternative phrases include "irregular disbursements" and "illicit payments", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illicit payments

Emphasizes the unlawful nature of the payments.

fraudulent payouts

Highlights the deceitful nature of the payments.

corrupt payments

Links the payments to corruption and unethical behavior.

irregular disbursements

Focuses on the disbursement process being not in accordance with the rules.

wrongful disbursements

Highlights the injustice or inappropriateness of the payments.

illegal compensation

Specifically points out the illegality of the payment as a form of compensation.

unauthorized remittances

Emphasizes the lack of authorization for the money transfer.

inappropriate compensation

Suggests the compensation is not suitable or fitting for the situation.

undue payments

Highlights that the payments are excessive or unwarranted.

erroneous payments

Implies the payments were made by mistake or error.

FAQs

What are some examples of "improper payments"?

"Improper payments" can include fraudulent payouts, "illegal compensation", or any payment made in violation of regulations or internal policies.

How do you identify "improper payments"?

Identifying "improper payments" typically involves audits, internal investigations, and careful review of financial records to detect discrepancies and non-compliance.

What's the difference between "improper payments" and fraud?

"Improper payments" is a broader term that includes both unintentional errors and intentional fraud. Fraud always involves deliberate deception for financial gain, while improper payments can result from mistakes or negligence.

What are the consequences of making "improper payments"?

Consequences can range from financial penalties and legal action to reputational damage. The severity depends on the nature and extent of the "irregular disbursements".