indebtedness to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indebtedness to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing gratitude or acknowledging a debt of gratitude to someone or something. Example: "I feel a deep sense of indebtedness to my parents for their unwavering support throughout my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dr. Venter freely admitted his indebtedness to precedence.

The New York Times

John Dewey acknowledged his own great indebtedness to Mead's philosophy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor could Baldwin ever acknowledge his own indebtedness to Stowe.

The New York Times - Books

In the pastel, Munch's indebtedness to the Nabi movement of the 1890s is also evident.

The New York Times - Arts

Rahman's novel, astonishingly achieved for a first book, sometimes confesses its indebtedness to other novels.

The New Yorker

German indebtedness to these investors had by 1929 reached nearly 15 billion marks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, the bitter campaigns leave impressions of judicial partisanship and indebtedness to campaign donors.

The New York Times

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, frequently acknowledged his indebtedness to Dostoyevsky's psychological insights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(And note that the butt of the joke is America's indebtedness to China, not China itself).

The Economist

"These in their thousands speak of their indebtedness to their fellow Africans," he told me.

The New Yorker

In concrete terms Mr. Obama's indebtedness to Roosevelt's approach is just as direct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indebtedness to", ensure the context clearly conveys whether you are referring to a financial debt, a moral obligation, or an intellectual influence. This precision enhances clarity and avoids misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "indebtedness to" when simply acknowledging inspiration. "Influence" or "inspiration" are more appropriate if a direct debt or obligation isn't present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indebtedness to" functions as a prepositional phrase that often expresses a state of being obligated or grateful to someone or something. Ludwig AI shows this can refer to financial, moral, or intellectual debts. It demonstrates an acknowledgment of influence or owing a debt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indebtedness to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to express gratitude, obligation, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, with a prevalence in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with its formal tone, and the meaning—whether financial, moral, or intellectual—is clear. Alternatives like "owing gratitude to" or "influenced by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding its use when simply acknowledging general inspiration will enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

owing gratitude to

Directly expresses the act of owing thanks, making the sentiment more explicit.

obligation toward

Emphasizes a duty or responsibility owed, shifting the focus slightly from gratitude to a formal requirement.

in debt to

Conveys a sense of owing something, either tangible or intangible, to another party.

beholden to

Suggests a state of being obligated or indebted, often implying a sense of dependence.

influenced by

Highlights the impact one entity has on another, specifically focusing on guiding actions or decisions.

under the influence of

Focuses specifically on the power or control exerted by one entity over another.

reliant on

Highlights dependence on someone or something for support or assistance.

responsible to

Indicates accountability and the need to answer to someone or something.

owing allegiance to

Implies loyalty and a sense of duty to support or defend.

traceable to

Highlights the origin or cause of something, suggesting a connection back to a source.

FAQs

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

You can use "indebtedness to" to express gratitude or acknowledge influence. For example, "The artist expressed his indebtedness to the works of Van Gogh" or "The company acknowledged its indebtedness to its early investors".

What are some alternatives to "indebtedness to"?

Alternatives include "obligation toward", "owing gratitude to", or "influenced by", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "indebtedness to" or "gratitude to"?

"Indebtedness to" implies a sense of owing something, while "gratitude to" simply expresses thankfulness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the obligation or the emotion.

What is the difference between "indebtedness to" and "reliance on"?

"Indebtedness to" suggests owing something in return, whereas "reliance on" indicates dependence for support or assistance. "Indebtedness to" carries a stronger connotation of obligation.