incur debt

USAGE SUMMARY

"incur debt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about someone taking on debt in order to buy something. For example, "The family incurred debt when they purchased a new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

International law allows only a sovereign government to incur debt, legal experts say.

The New York Times

"It's normal for a campaign to incur debt, but he doesn't want to do it".

The New York Times

I invested slowly and carefully, but I still needed to incur debt to get to where I am today.

The New York Times

FirstEnergy, which has no current debt on the parent company level, will have to incur debt to make the acquisition.

The New York Times

PROPOSALS Question 1: Vote yes to extend the time in which communities can incur debt for sewage facilities.

The New York Times

We will end the scandal that these professionals will incur debt just to work in the NHS.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

(Some Edinburgh performers break even, most incur debts, and almost no one makes a profit).

The New Yorker

If they run persistent current account deficits and thus incur debts overseas, they must find a way to keep servicing those debts or lose that financial support.

The Economist

Did my adherence to the Ivy League "label" incur debts my dad was never able to escape?

Huffington Post

Governments should not be afraid of incurring debt in order to invest in our future.

The Guardian - Opinion

And most importantly: what happens to Egypt's money and Egypt's falsely incurred debt?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incur debt", clearly specify the reason or purpose for which the debt is being acquired to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "incur debt" when you mean to describe the process of handling or reducing existing debt. "Incur" refers specifically to the act of taking on new debt, not dealing with existing obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incur debt" functions as a verb phrase where "incur" is a transitive verb and "debt" is its direct object. This construction signifies the act of taking on or acquiring financial obligations. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incur debt" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of taking on financial obligations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral to professional in tone, its usage is widespread. When using this phrase, be mindful to specify the reason for incurring the debt to provide necessary context. Alternative expressions like "take on debt" or "accumulate debt" can be used to add nuance. Avoid confusing "incur" with managing existing debt, as "incur" specifies the creation of a new obligation. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "incur debt" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on debt

Focuses on the action of assuming debt, similar to "incur debt".

accumulate debt

Emphasizes the gradual increase of debt over time.

acquire debt

Highlights the process of obtaining debt.

run up debt

Suggests a rapid accumulation of debt, often implying a negative connotation.

get into debt

Focuses on the state of being indebted.

become indebted

Formal way to express entering a state of owing money.

borrow money

Specifies the action of receiving funds that must be repaid.

owe money

Highlights the obligation to repay a debt.

contract liabilities

Describes the formal agreement to assume financial responsibilities.

shoulder financial burden

Emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with debt.

FAQs

How can I use "incur debt" in a sentence?

You can use "incur debt" to describe the act of taking on debt. For example, "Many students "incur debt" to pay for their college education".

What's the difference between "incur debt" and "pay off debt"?

"Incur debt" means to take on a new financial obligation, while "pay off debt" means to eliminate an existing financial obligation.

What are some alternatives to saying "incur debt"?

You can use alternatives like "take on debt", "accumulate debt", or "acquire debt" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "incur debt"?

Not necessarily. While debt can be a burden, "incurring debt" can sometimes be a strategic decision, such as when a business borrows money to invest in growth opportunities or when an individual takes out a mortgage to purchase a home.