in your debt

USAGE SUMMARY

'in your debt' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to show gratitude for a kindness or favor or to acknowledge that someone is owed something. For example: "I am forever in your debt for your generosity and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

I am in your debt".

The Economist

I'm in your debt, whomever you are.

The New York Times

Hoxey and I are in your debt".

The New Yorker

I'm forever in your debt, he added coldly.

The New Yorker

Or, "I would be in your debt -- more in your debt, that is, than I already am for having your wonderful books to enjoy, if only......

The New York Times - Books

I'm in your debt also for mental support — for the intelligence of your reading.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"The risk you shouldn't run is that you have difficulties in funding your debt".

The Guardian

In fact, your debt is likely to increase.

Los Angeles Times

Financial Expert and Writer, Dorethia Kelly of MoneyChat.com believes in keeping your debt low and cash high.

Huffington Post

"When making a plan, it's great to think big, but being successful in reaching your debt repayment goals requires a practical approach," Woroch said.

Huffington Post

This does not increase cash flow although the sale of the items may assist in lowering your debt.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for formal letters of thanks, professional acknowledgments or moments of high emotional sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "in your debt" in casual settings where a simple thank you would suffice. Overusing it can make your gratitude seem insincere or overly dramatic. Furthermore, when writing about finance, ensure the phrase is not confused with "your debt", which refers to the money you owe, whereas being "in your debt" refers to the person you owe it to.

Linguistic Context

In the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase "in your debt" primarily functions as an idiomatic prepositional phrase used as a subject complement (e.g. "I am in your debt"). It acts as a metaphor for obligation, where the 'debt' is a social or moral one rather than a financial one. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in showing gratitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Science

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in your debt" is a versatile and correct English expression found frequently in high-quality journalism and formal writing. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used to express deep gratitude, signifying that the speaker feels a moral obligation to the listener for a kindness received. However, it is also found in literal financial contexts within instructional guides. The data shows it is favored by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker for its ability to convey sincerity and professional courtesy. Writers should use it to emphasize the weight of a favor, while remaining mindful of the distinction between social gratitude and literal financial liability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indebted to you

Uses a more formal adjective structure to express the same sense of obligation.

beholden to you

Carries a slightly stronger, sometimes more archaic or formal sense of duty.

owe you a great deal

Expresses a high degree of gratitude using a verbal construction.

much obliged

A traditional and somewhat formal way to say thank you and acknowledge debt.

owe you one

An informal version of the phrase, implying a future favor will be returned.

deeply grateful

Focuses on the emotion of gratitude rather than the concept of a debt.

thankful to you

A simpler, more common synonym for the sentiment of gratitude.

owing you

A more direct, often literal, participial form of obligation.

at your service

Shifts the focus to being available to help as a form of repayment.

in your financial records

Related only to the literal financial sense of the query.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "in your debt"?

Being "in your debt" means you feel very grateful to someone because they have done something very helpful for you. It is often synonymous with being "indebted to you".

Is it "in your debt" or "indebted to you"?

Both are correct. "in your debt" is a prepositional phrase, while "indebted to you" uses an adjective. The latter is often considered slightly more formal in academic writing.

What can I say instead of "I am in your debt"?

Depending on the level of formality, you can say "I owe you a lot", "I'm very grateful" or even the informal "I owe you one".

Can "in your debt" be used for money?

Yes, it can appear in literal financial contexts, such as "making a dent "in your debt"", though in these cases, it refers to the sum of money owed rather than a feeling of gratitude toward a person.