money changed hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "money changed hands" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are discussing transactions or exchanges that involve money. For example: "When the house was sold, money changed hands between the buyer and seller."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No money changed hands.

The New York Times - Sports

It appears that no money changed hands.

The Economist

In Britain no money changed hands.

The Guardian - Business

No money changed hands, then or ever.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was never aware any money changed hands".

Independent

"He's out of office, and no money changed hands?

The New York Times

It was not clear whether any money changed hands.

The New York Times - Sports

Investors have been amazingly silent as the money changed hands.

The New York Times

Was kindness invalidated just because money changed hands?

The New Yorker

Perhaps you know that some money changed hands there.

The New York Times

No money changed hands and we were both delighted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "money changed hands", ensure the context clearly indicates the parties involved and the reason for the exchange to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "money changed hands" in a way that obscures who gave and received the money. A more direct construction clarifies the transaction and enhances readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "money changed hands" functions as a statement of transaction, indicating that a monetary exchange has taken place. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a common expression used to describe the movement of funds between parties. The examples confirm its role in reporting events involving financial transactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "money changed hands" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a financial transaction. As stated by Ludwig AI, it's a straightforward way to indicate that funds have been exchanged between parties. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. While clear and consistent in its meaning, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity regarding the parties involved. To enhance readability, avoid using the phrase in a passive voice that obscures the transaction's participants.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

funds were transferred

Focuses on the movement of funds, omitting the specific exchange between parties.

finances were exchanged

Similar to "funds were transferred", but slightly broader, potentially including assets beyond cash.

a monetary exchange took place

A more verbose way to state that money was exchanged.

payment was made

Highlights the act of paying, without specifying who received the money.

payment was rendered

A more formal synonym for "payment was made".

consideration was exchanged

A more formal and legalistic way to describe the exchange of value.

cash was exchanged

Emphasizes the physical exchange of cash, rather than other forms of payment.

money was passed

Suggests a more informal or potentially secretive transfer of money.

a transaction occurred

A general term for any kind of exchange, not necessarily involving money directly.

value was transferred

Broader than money; could include goods or services.

FAQs

What does "money changed hands" mean?

The phrase "money changed hands" means that a transaction involving money has occurred, where one party gives money to another in exchange for goods, services, or other consideration.

Is it correct to say "money changed hands"?

Yes, "money changed hands" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a monetary transaction. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

What can I say instead of "money changed hands"?

You can use alternatives like "funds were transferred", "payment was made", or "consideration was exchanged" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "money changed hands"?

The phrase "money changed hands" is appropriate in contexts where you want to describe a transaction without focusing on the specifics of the agreement or the exact amount of money involved. It's suitable for news reports, business discussions, and general conversations.