in installments

USAGE SUMMARY

"in installments" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means paying or doing something in regular intervals over a period of time. Example: The new car can be purchased in installments, with a down payment of $500 and 24 monthly payments of $200 each.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Collection in installments.

Cornell University

§ 34.7 Collection in installments.

Cornell University

§ 1450.12 Collection in installments.

Cornell University

§ 105-55.015 Collectinn installmentsnts.

Cornell University

She began shipping the grain in installments.

The New York Times - Food

They often needed to pay for their purchases in installments.

The New York Times

Some dentists may let you pay them directly in installments.

The New York Times - Health

They can be described as reference books in installments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dowry was $1,250, to be paid in installments.

The Washington Post

You can pay for the phone in installments.

The Washington Post

She pays Affirm in installments over three to 12 months.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in installments" when you want to clearly communicate that a payment or action is divided into multiple, scheduled parts. This makes it easier for the audience to understand the payment structure.

Common error

Avoid using "in installments" when describing a one-time partial payment. The phrase implies a structured schedule of multiple payments, not just a single reduced payment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in installments" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying how an action (typically payment or delivery) is carried out. Ludwig AI examples show it describing methods of payment or release.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in installments" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is done or paid in stages over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its main function is to modify verbs and provide clarity regarding a payment or delivery schedule. It appears frequently in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday communication. While the register is generally neutral, it is important to remember the subtle distinctions between it and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a payment plan

Refers to a pre-arranged schedule for making payments.

in periodic payments

Focuses specifically on the payment aspect, highlighting the regular nature of the payments.

in partial payments

Emphasizes that payments are not the full amount, but rather portions of the total sum.

in a series of payments

Highlights that multiple payments are involved, forming a sequence.

in stages

General term that can apply to various processes, not just payments, implying a step-by-step approach.

in increments

Stresses that amounts are added or paid in small, regular increases.

by deferred payment

Indicates the payment is delayed and spread out over time.

in portions

Highlights that something is divided and distributed in smaller parts.

over a period of time

Describes the payments are made across a certain duration. Emphasizes the time aspect.

by arrangement

Suggests the payments are made according to a specific agreement or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "in installments" in a sentence?

You can use "in installments" to describe a payment plan, such as "The car can be purchased "in installments" over 36 months".

What's the difference between "in installments" and "in full"?

"In installments" means making payments over time, while "in full" means paying the entire amount at once.

Are there synonyms for "in installments"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "in periodic payments", "on a payment plan", or "in partial payments" depending on the specific context.

Is it more expensive to pay "in installments"?

Often, paying "in installments" includes interest or fees, making the total cost higher than paying the full amount upfront.