is in debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in debt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone owes money to another party. Example: "After losing his job, he realized he is in debt and needs to find a way to manage his finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Redditch trust is in debt.

The Guardian

He says that the US is "in debt to the people of Boston and the people of Massachusetts".

The Guardian

Masella is in debt all around town.

The New Yorker

The city is in debt, failing schools — that's the shame".

The New Yorker

We're in debt, America's in debt, Cyprus is in debt.

The Guardian

It would know who is in debt and financial trouble.

The Washington Post

In contrast, the Republican State Committee is in debt.

The New York Times

Our most delightful companion these days is a woman who is in debt to Macy's.

The New Yorker

Chris is in debt to a local druglord and needs money fast.

Independent

Only about half of the purchase price is in debt financing.

The New York Times

Most of Europe is in debt to Sanskrit (raj, rex, reich, regal).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in debt" when describing a current state. To describe the act of incurring debt, use phrases like "went into debt" or "became indebted."

Common error

Avoid using "is indebted" interchangeably with "is in debt". While related, "is indebted" often carries a sense of gratitude or obligation that goes beyond mere financial owing. Stick to "is in debt" when simply stating financial owing, or use "owes a debt of gratitude" for non-financial obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in debt" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of a noun (person, entity, etc.). Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to indicate financial obligations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in debt" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of financial obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse sources. It functions as a predicate adjective, clearly conveying that an entity owes money. The phrase is suitable for neutral and professional contexts, making it appropriate for news, business, and general discussions. While alternative phrases exist, "is in debt" remains a direct and frequently used expression. It's important to distinguish its meaning from "is indebted", which often implies a non-financial obligation or gratitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

owes money

Uses a more direct and simpler term to express the state of owing money.

has outstanding debts

Emphasizes the existence of multiple unpaid debts.

is burdened by debt

Highlights the negative impact and weight of being in debt.

carries a debt load

Implies a significant and possibly difficult amount of debt.

is financially obligated

Focuses on the formal and binding nature of the debt.

is in arrears

Suggests that payments are overdue and behind schedule.

is underwater

Figuratively describes a situation where debts exceed assets.

has liabilities

Uses a more formal and accounting-oriented term for debts.

is strapped for cash

Indicates a general lack of funds, often due to debt.

is facing financial difficulties

Broadly describes the challenges arising from debt or other financial problems.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "is in debt"?

When someone "is in debt", it means they owe money to another person, company, or entity. The debt can arise from various sources, such as loans, credit cards, or unpaid bills.

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

You can use "is in debt" to describe the financial situation of an individual, organization, or country. For example, "The company "is in debt" due to poor financial management", or "He "is in debt" after taking out a large mortgage".

What are some alternatives to saying "is in debt"?

Alternatives include "owes money", "has outstanding debts", or "is financially obligated" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "is indebted" rather than "is in debt"?

While both terms relate to owing something, "is indebted" often implies a moral or non-financial obligation, such as "owes a debt of gratitude", whereas "is in debt" refers specifically to a financial obligation. Thus, "is in debt" is generally more direct and commonly used in financial contexts.