partial payment

USAGE SUMMARY

"partial payment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a payment that is less than the customary or expected amount. For example, "I made a partial payment on the overdue invoice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some came with partial payment.

The New York Times

The bank will not allow partial payment, the couple said.

The New York Times

The bank returned the check, refusing a partial payment.

The New York Times

A third official said that only a "partial payment" had been made.

The New York Times - Sports

Zeblyan, a carpet merchant, even accepts an iPod as partial payment for a purchase.

The New York Times

But you need to check what a partial payment will do to your cover.

The Guardian - Money

Other caches have included cocaine, which the police believe was in partial payment for the weapons.

The New York Times

"We don't accept partial payment," she was told by the mortgage lender.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, the deal itself was nearly complete, and Mr. Abramovich and other Sibneft shareholders have already received partial payment.

The New York Times

It is sometimes used as an informal currency for luxury products, such as partial payment for a new car.

The Guardian

(Maybe they should hold Internet fundraisers to pay for this or receive partial payment from the national party).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating debt repayment, explicitly clarify whether the creditor accepts "partial payments" and what implications this may have on interest accrual, late fees, or the overall repayment schedule.

Common error

Avoid assuming that making a "partial payment" automatically prevents late fees or negative credit reporting. Always confirm the creditor's policies regarding partial payments to understand potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partial payment" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun or serves as a subject or object in a sentence. It indicates a payment that covers only a portion of the total amount due, as seen in Ludwig examples such as "Some came with <span class="lh">partial payment." and "The bank will not allow <span class="lh">partial payment, the couple said."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "partial payment" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to a payment that covers only a portion of the total amount due. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; it’s important to explicitly communicate with relevant parties to confirm implications. When full payment isn't possible, using the term "partial payment" accurately and exploring alternatives like payment plans or settlements is useful. Remember that, while generally better than no payment, a "partial payment" may not prevent penalties or negative credit reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part payment

A more concise synonym, directly indicating a payment of only a fraction of the total amount.

incomplete payment

Highlights the fact that the payment does not cover the full amount owed.

fractional payment

Emphasizes the numerical fraction of the total amount that is being paid.

reduced payment

Indicates that the amount paid is less than the originally agreed-upon sum.

installment payment

Refers to a payment made as part of a series of payments over time, distinguishing it from a single, complete payment.

portion of payment

Directly refers to a specific part of the total payment.

payment in installments

Focuses on the arrangement of paying over time, with each installment being a part of the total.

down payment

Specifically refers to an initial partial payment made when purchasing something on credit.

staggered payment

Similar to installment, suggesting payments spread out over a schedule, not necessarily less than the full amount each time.

token payment

Implies a small payment made as a symbolic gesture, often when the full amount cannot be paid.

FAQs

How does a "partial payment" affect my credit score?

A "partial payment" might not prevent negative reporting to credit bureaus. It's crucial to understand the lender's policy, as some may still report late or missed payments even if a portion is paid. Contact your lender to clarify their specific policies regarding "partial payments".

Is it better to make a "partial payment" or no payment at all?

Generally, making a "partial payment" is better than making no payment, as it demonstrates an effort to fulfill your obligation. However, it's essential to communicate with the creditor to understand if the partial payment will prevent further penalties or collection actions. A "partial payment" might reduce late fees but won't eliminate the debt.

Can a creditor refuse a "partial payment"?

Yes, a creditor can refuse a "partial payment". Some lenders have policies that require full payment and may return checks or reject electronic payments if they don't cover the entire amount due. Always confirm with the creditor whether they accept "partial payments" and what the consequences are if you cannot pay the full amount.

What are some alternatives to making a "partial payment" when I can't afford the full amount?

If you cannot afford the full payment, consider contacting the creditor to negotiate a payment plan, temporary forbearance, or a debt settlement. Other options include seeking credit counseling or exploring debt consolidation. Communicate with your creditor before resorting to a "partial payment".