is owed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is owed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is due to someone, often in the context of debts or obligations. Example: "He believes that he is owed an explanation for the sudden changes in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

£2.2m is owed to HMRC.

Independent

It is owed an apology.

The New York Times

This money is owed.

The New York Times

Mets Nation is owed something, too.

The New Yorker

Balkman is owed $1.675 million next season.

The New York Times

Not a cent is owed until 2026.

The New York Times

He is owed about $6 million.

The New York Times - Sports

It is owed great reverence".

The New York Times

Scola is owed $39.3 million over the next four seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Martin is owed $25 million over the next two years.

The New York Times - Sports

He is owed $68.3 million over the next four seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is owed", ensure clarity by specifying both the debtor (who owes) and the creditor (to whom it is owed). For example, "The company is owed money by its clients" provides better context than simply stating "Money is owed."

Common error

Avoid using "is owed" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. Instead of "An apology is owed to him", consider "He is owed an apology" or "Someone should apologize to him."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is owed" functions as a passive construction of the verb "owe", indicating that someone or something is the recipient of an obligation or debt. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in diverse contexts, further validating its role in English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is owed" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating an obligation or debt that is due to someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and formal business settings. When using "is owed", ensure clarity by specifying both the debtor and the creditor. While the phrase is versatile, consider active voice constructions for more direct and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is due

Implies a scheduled or expected payment or return; suggests a specific time frame.

is payable

Highlights the act of payment being required, typically in financial contexts.

is outstanding

Focuses on the remaining balance that has yet to be settled.

is in arrears

Indicates that a payment is late or overdue.

is obligated

Emphasizes a moral or legal duty to provide something.

is liable

Highlights legal responsibility for a debt or obligation.

is beholden

Suggests a sense of gratitude or dependence for a favor or service.

is compelled

Implies a strong external force or pressure to fulfill an obligation.

is bound

Suggests a formal agreement or contract that creates an obligation.

is indebted

Emphasizes a feeling of gratitude for a service or favor received, often implying a reciprocal obligation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is owed" indicates that something is due to someone. For example, "The money "is due" next week", or "Respect "is deserved" to those who have served".

What's the difference between "is owed" and "is due"?

"Is owed" generally refers to a debt or obligation that hasn't been fulfilled, while "is due" often indicates a payment or action that is expected at a specific time. Although close, they are not completely interchangeable in all contexts.

What can I say instead of "is owed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""is due"", "is payable", or "is outstanding" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "is owed to"?

Yes, it is correct to say "is owed to". This construction specifies who is the recipient of what is owed. For example, "An apology "is due to" the victims".