pay in full

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pay in full' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a situation in which you are asking that a payment be made in its entirety rather than in installments or parts. For example, "We require that all invoices be paid in full before the goods can be shipped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I promise I'll pay in full".

The New Yorker

(People who pay in full will get the first seats).

The New York Times - Science

■ Should I use a no-interest plan, even if I can pay in full?

The New York Times

You can take a loan, pay in full, or postpone service.

The New York Times

Some providers offer significant discounts if you pay in full within 30 days.

The New York Times

The others had the option to pay in full or restructure their agreement with different terms".

The New York Times

And when it comes, you are supposed to pay in full, immediately.

The New York Times

Argentina defaulted in 2014 rather than pay in full a minority of bondholders.

The Economist

Buyers have no opportunity to inspect the properties and must pay in full, in cash.

The New York Times

Some came to pay in full with money borrowed from friends and family.

The New York Times

Pay in Full I am an unpaid intern at a small company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering discounts, specify the deadline for customers to "pay in full" to qualify.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating if "pay in full" is required upfront or if installment options are available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay in full" functions as a verb phrase indicating a complete transaction. Ludwig examples show it's used in contexts ranging from settling debts to purchasing goods, emphasizing complete financial settlement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pay in full" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a complete payment is made, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its frequency and usage across diverse sources like news media, academic papers, and wikis highlight its versatility. Related phrases such as "settle the balance" or "make a complete payment" can be used as alternatives. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that your audience understands the terms and conditions of payment to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay the total amount

Directly refers to paying the entire sum.

make a complete payment

More formal, highlighting the action of paying.

fully settle the account

Focuses on completely resolving all financial aspects of the account.

settle the balance

Focuses on resolving an outstanding debt.

clear the debt

Emphasizes eliminating the debt entirely.

satisfy the debt

Indicates the debt is completely met.

honor the payment

Highlights fulfilling the payment commitment.

discharge the obligation

A formal and legalistic way to express fulfilling a payment duty.

reimburse completely

Suitable when referring to repayment of expenses.

liquidate the debt

Formal, suggesting conversion of assets to clear debt.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pay in full"?

To "pay in full" means to settle an outstanding balance by remitting the entire amount due at once, rather than in installments or partial payments.

When is it best to "pay in full" versus using a payment plan?

Paying in full is advantageous when you can avoid interest charges or qualify for discounts. Payment plans are useful when managing cash flow, even if it involves paying interest.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "pay in full"?

Alternatives include "settle the balance", "make a complete payment", or "pay the total amount" depending on the context.

Is there a financial advantage to "paying in full"?

Yes, often there is. Paying in full can help you avoid accruing interest, late fees, and other charges, saving you money in the long run. Some providers even offer discounts for those who "settle the balance" immediately.