may be repaid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be repaid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the possibility of returning a loan or debt. Example: "The loan you took out may be repaid over a period of five years, depending on your financial situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Adding sales from overseas, and from audio and large-print editions, the advance may be repaid so quickly that royalties may be flowing to Mr. Clinton by fall.

The New York Times

That gives the banks some scope to roll over troublesome loans that may be repaid at a later date, or written off at a more convenient time.

The Economist

An example of the first meaning is a mortgage on a home, which may be repaid in monthly installments that include interest and a gradual reduction of the principal obligation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are other risks associated with debt instruments; such as liquidity risk, or the risk that one may not be able to sell or buy a given instrument without adversely affecting its price; and prepayment risk, or the risk that investors may be repaid earlier than anticipated and be forced to forego future interest rate payments.

Understanding Credit Derivatives and Related Instruments

All too often people who have worked hard to save find that when they come to access their money the neighbour, friend or money guard has either spent the money for their own emergency, which may be repaid later, or in the worst cases like Ravi's, disappeared with little chance of seeing the money again.

The Guardian

WALL STREET JOURNAL Creditors of Lehman's European Arm May Be Fully Repaid  |  Bloomberg News reports: "Creditors to Lehman Brothers International Europe may be repaid in full after administrators settled disputes with some of the failed investment bank's affiliates, increasing the size of expected future recoveries".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is now projected that $6.3 billion from the bailouts, which were provided in December 2008 and in May and December 2009, may never be repaid.

The New York Times

Interest charges, mortgage-insurance premiums, and possibly real-estate taxes may be accumulated as part of the loan balance and may not be repaid until many years later.

Forbes

You can already see a faint hint of freakout coming, as interest rates on 4-week Treasury bills — which may not be repaid on their due date — have moved up above 6-month: By the way, this may look like a huge spike, but bear in mind the scale: both rates are still very near zero, it's just that the one-months have moved from a slight premium (on price) to a significant but still small discount.

The New York Times

But even clients whose money was properly segregated may not be repaid in full.

The New York Times

These subordinate loans are called "hope" notes since they may never be repaid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial agreements, clarify the conditions under which the debt "may be repaid", including timelines, interest rates, and potential penalties for late payment.

Common error

Avoid using "will be repaid" when the repayment is not guaranteed. Using "may be repaid" indicates possibility, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be repaid" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potentiality. It suggests that there is a chance that a debt, loan, or obligation will be returned or fulfilled. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be repaid" serves to express the possibility of a debt being returned, differentiating itself from stronger assertions of certainty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "can be reimbursed" or "could be paid back" exist, "may be repaid" offers a specific nuance of potentiality that suits discussions around financial obligations with uncertain outcomes. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the conditions and potential contingencies affecting the repayment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be reimbursed

Uses "can" instead of "may", suggesting a higher probability or possibility, while "reimbursed" implies a return of funds specifically.

could be paid back

Replaces "may" with "could", indicating a conditional possibility, and uses the more informal phrasal verb "paid back".

might be settled

"Might" indicates a lower probability than "may", and "settled" suggests a resolution of a debt or claim.

is potentially refundable

Shifts the focus to the "refundable" nature of an item or amount, highlighting the possibility of getting money back.

is subject to repayment

Emphasizes the obligation of repayment, making it a more formal and legalistic alternative.

is liable to be discharged

Used in legal or financial contexts to indicate the potential release from a debt or obligation.

is eligible for remission

Suggests a formal cancellation or waiver of a debt, often used in governmental or institutional contexts.

is open to being cleared

Indicates the possibility of resolving or eliminating a debt through payment or other means.

is capable of being liquidated

Focuses on the conversion of assets into cash to satisfy a debt.

allows for satisfaction

Highlights the mechanism or process that enables a debt to be fulfilled or paid off.

FAQs

How can I use "may be repaid" in a sentence?

You can use "may be repaid" to express the possibility of a debt or loan being returned. For example, "The loan "may be repaid" in monthly installments over five years".

What are some alternatives to "may be repaid"?

Alternatives include "can be reimbursed", "could be paid back", or "might be settled", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "will be repaid" instead of "may be repaid"?

While "will be repaid" indicates a higher degree of certainty, "may be repaid" is more appropriate when there is a possibility or conditionality regarding the repayment. The choice depends on the specific situation and the level of assurance.

What does "subject to repayment" mean, and how does it differ from "may be repaid"?

"Subject to repayment" implies an obligation to repay under specific terms, whereas "may be repaid" only suggests a possibility. "Subject to repayment" is a more formal and legally binding phrase.