installments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "installments" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to payments made in parts over a period of time, often in the context of loans or purchases. Example: "I chose to pay for the new laptop in three installments to make it more affordable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Next year sees the introduction of the "green deal", a scheme whereby people can invest in energy efficiency improvements to their homes, community spaces and businesses at no upfront cost, instead paying through installments on their energy bills.

The Guardian

Chrysler also agreed to pay the VEBA an additional $700m in four $175m annual installments after the merger is completed.The settlement is larger than Fiat had originally hoped but the union was originally demanding more than $5 billion for its Chrysler holding.

The Economist

Under a layaway system, you pay first (in installments, plus a small service fee) and only pick up your purchase when you're in the clear.

The Economist

Repayment is made in a lump sum at maturity or in installments throughout the life of the loan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Piesiewicz eventually completed screenplays for all three installments, which were filmed in the first decade of the 21st century; Kieślowski received credit for cowriting Heaven (2002), directed by German filmmaker Tom Tykwer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thunderball, British spy film, released in 1965, that is the fourth James Bond movie and one of the highest-grossing installments in the series.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Romola was planned as a serial for Blackwood's, until an offer of £10,000 from The Cornhill Magazine induced George Eliot to desert her old publisher; but rather than divide the book into the 16 installments the editor wanted, she accepted £3,000 less, an evidence of artistic integrity few writers would have shown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The country faces a tight deadline of debt repayments starting with a €780m loan installment to the IMF on 12 May, the day after a crucial eurogroup summit.

The Guardian - Business

11.43pm BST23:43 OK, that's all from me: James Richardson is waiting for me up in near-earth orbit, where we are about to record tonight's thrilling installment of our World Cup Daily podcast.

The Guardian - Sport

The first installment featured Dave Foley, a comedian known for "Newsradio" and "Kids in the Hall", and Joss Whedon, who recently directed "The Avengers" and is a frequent collaborator of Ms Day's.Ivana Kirkbride, the manager of YouTube's "premium" networks, says the video-sharing site accepted proposals for hundreds of channels as part of its foray into free original programming.

The Economist

A third installment is promised shortly, with a final chapter to follow.In American political parlance, such an exposé released on the eve of an election might be hailed as an "October surprise".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial agreements or structured payment plans, using the word "installments" clearly indicates that payments will be made in smaller, regular amounts over time, making budgeting easier. Clearly specify the frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and amount of "installments" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be aware of the spelling variation. While "installments" is the standard American English spelling, "instalments" is used in British English. Maintain consistency within your document or communication based on your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "installments" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of something being delivered or paid in portions over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

47%

News & Media

32%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "installments" is a grammatically correct and frequently used plural noun, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It refers to payments or deliveries made in portions over a period. It's found commonly in encyclopedia entries, news reports, and scientific documents, denoting a neutral formality level. Key related phrases include "periodic payments" and "partial payments", which nuance the meaning slightly. A helpful tip is to clearly specify the frequency and amount of "installments" to avoid ambiguity. One common error is confusing the American English spelling ("installments") with the British English spelling ("instalments").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periodic payments

Focuses on the regularity of the payments.

scheduled remittances

Highlights formally arranged and timed payments.

partial payments

Emphasizes that each payment covers only a portion of the total amount.

agreed-upon amounts

Focuses on the predetermined financial sums for each payment.

staged payments

Highlights that payments are arranged in stages, often tied to project milestones.

phased disbursements

Emphasizes the systematic release of funds in stages.

regular contributions

Suggests consistent and ongoing financial input, often for a specific purpose.

discrete portions

Highlights how the total is divided into separate, distinct amounts.

successive parts

Refers to items or events that follow one another in a sequence.

serial segments

Emphasizes the sequential and episodic nature of something.

FAQs

How do I use "installments" in a sentence?

Use "installments" to refer to payments made in parts over a period. For example, "I chose to pay for the car in monthly installments." or "The loan is repaid in quarterly installments."

What is the difference between "installment" and "installments"?

"Installment" is the singular form, referring to one single payment. "Installments" is the plural form, referring to multiple payments over time. For example: "The first installment is due next month" versus "The remaining balance will be paid in six installments."

What can I say instead of "pay in installments"?

You can use alternative phrases such as "pay in periodic payments", "pay in partial payments", or "pay in successive installments", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "installments" when referring to parts of a series?

Yes, "installments" can refer to parts of a series, such as episodes of a TV show or chapters of a book released over time. In this context, it means each part is presented separately over time, much like making payments in "installments".