payment in installments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "payment in installments" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the payment of a sum of money in multiple smaller amounts, rather than all at once. Example: "The new car can be purchased for $20,000 with a payment plan of $500 per month for 40 months, making it more affordable with payments in installments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He had also learned that many pirates did not accept payment in installments — he would have to send the entire sum up front and hope that Jabin kept his word.

The New Yorker

The herbalists even allow payment in installments which makes it easier for the patients to afford traditional medicine.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The F.C.C. had earlier encouraged small businesses by permitting them to bid in license auctions and make payments in installments.

The New York Times

Simple strategies such as allowing pregnant women to make any required payments in installments were seen to be highly feasible in such rural remote settings and could contribute significantly to improving access to care.

BMC Health Services Research

Although payments in installments, price incentives or other promotional offers, and consumer finance through microcredit/loans (offered through local companies or community lending schemes) are mechanisms to overcome this barrier, their relevance and success varied according to stove price and target population (payment modalities).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Programs with an explicit goal of reaching socioeconomically disadvantaged households or areas have achieved greater adoption through various mechanisms, including a) a tiered approach offering different stove models and prices for higher- versus lower-income households; b) subsidies; c) payments in installments; and d) access to credit.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Ms. Girard-Blakey filled out a packet of forms in July 2009 and paid Caughern one month's mortgage payment in three installments as a fee; that put her further behind on her home loan.

The New York Times

A federal indictment released Thursday says Faisal Shahzad received the payment in two installments in February from a member of the Pakistan Taliban.

Huffington Post

Its "Value" plans for contract customers sell phones at full price, with payments made in installments over 20 months.

TechCrunch

When you buy a magazine subscription, the publisher records the up-front payment as income in installments as issues are sent to you.

Forbes

He likes to negotiate payments in monthly installments -- a rare demand for authors, who usually receive several payments as a book is completed and published.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial agreements, clarify the frequency and amount of each "payment in installments" to avoid ambiguity. Specify any associated interest or fees.

Common error

Avoid using "payment in installments" interchangeably with "installment plan" without context. While related, one describes the action of paying, and the other describes the structure or agreement for deferred payments. Be specific about which you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "payment in installments" functions as a noun phrase, describing the method of settling a debt or obligation through a series of partial payments over time. Ludwig shows its common use in financial and contractual contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "payment in installments" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes settling a debt or obligation through a series of partial payments. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use across various domains. While it is closest in meaning to "installment plan", remember that the first is an action while the second is an agreement. When used, "payment in installments" generally carries a professional or neutral register, commonly appearing in news, business, and science-related materials. To ensure clarity, always specify the payment schedule and any associated fees or interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

installment plan

Focuses on the payment arrangement itself rather than the act of paying.

paying in portions

Emphasizes the act of dividing the payment into multiple parts.

paying in segments

Similar to "portions" but suggests a more structured division.

deferred payment plan

Highlights the delay in full payment, with installments spread out.

payment schedule

Focuses on the timetable for making payments.

graded payment

Implies installments that might change in amount over time.

periodic payments

Highlights the recurring nature of the payments.

split payment

A more general term for dividing a payment.

staggered payment

Implies irregular intervals or amounts in the payment schedule.

pay-as-you-go

Emphasizes paying for something as it is used or consumed.

FAQs

How can I use "payment in installments" in a sentence?

You can say, "The store offers a "payment in installments" option for expensive electronics" or "I prefer to make a "payment in installments" rather than pay the full amount upfront".

What is the difference between "payment in installments" and an "installment plan"?

The phrase "payment in installments" refers to the act of making payments over time, while an "installment plan" is the specific agreement that allows for such payments. One is an action, the other is an agreement.

Are there synonyms for "payment in installments"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "paying in portions", "paying in segments", or "deferred "payment schedule"" depending on the context.

Is it better to make a lump sum payment or a "payment in installments"?

It depends on your financial situation. A lump sum payment saves on interest, but a "payment in installments" can be more manageable for your budget. Carefully consider your cash flow and interest rates.