indebted to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indebted to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express gratitude or a sense of obligation to someone for a favor or help received. Example: "I am deeply indebted to my mentor for guiding me through my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're indebted to him.

The New York Times

"And I was always indebted to him".

The New Yorker

"We shall be deeply indebted to you".

The New York Times - Sports

I am not indebted to anyone.

The New York Times

I am particularly indebted to Charles Silver.

The New York Times

I am indebted to Kyra.

The Guardian

"I am indebted to them".

The New York Times - Style

"I'm forever indebted to them.

The New York Times - Sports

"I felt indebted to him.

The Guardian

I'm very indebted to him".

The Guardian - Sport

I am indebted to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing gratitude, use "indebted to" to convey a sense of obligation for significant help or support received. It's suitable for formal acknowledgments and heartfelt expressions of appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "indebted to" for minor favors. Reserve it for situations where you feel a genuine sense of obligation or dependence, not just simple gratitude. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indebted to" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a state of gratitude or obligation towards someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indebted to" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of gratitude and obligation for help or support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It finds frequent application in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "grateful to" and "obliged to" exist, "indebted to" specifically implies a feeling of owing something in return. When writing, reserve "indebted to" for significant instances where a genuine sense of obligation is felt, ensuring its impact is not diluted by overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grateful to

Emphasizes feelings of gratitude rather than obligation.

obliged to

Focuses on a sense of duty or requirement, slightly more formal.

beholden to

Suggests a strong sense of obligation, often for a significant favor.

in debt to

Highlights the aspect of owing something, whether tangible or intangible.

thankful for

Expresses appreciation, potentially less formal than "indebted to".

appreciative of

Conveys gratitude and recognition of value.

under an obligation to

Formally acknowledges a duty or commitment.

in someone's debt

Similar to "in debt to", but emphasizes the personal connection.

owing gratitude to

Highlights the act of owing gratitude, more verbose and formal.

responsible to

Shifts focus to responsibility and accountability.

FAQs

How can I use "indebted to" in a sentence?

Use "indebted to" to express gratitude for significant help or support. For example, "I am deeply "indebted to" my professor for their guidance" or "The company is "indebted to" its investors for their initial funding".

What's the difference between "indebted to" and "grateful to"?

"Indebted to" implies a sense of obligation or owing something in return, while "grateful to" simply expresses thankfulness without necessarily implying a debt.

What are some alternatives to using "indebted to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "obliged to", "beholden to", "thankful for", or "appreciative of". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "indebted to"?

It's appropriate to use "indebted to" when you feel a strong sense of obligation for a significant favor or assistance received. It's often used in formal acknowledgments or heartfelt expressions of gratitude for substantial help.