reduce debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce debt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to denote a process of working to pay off or pay down debts. For example, "I'm trying to reduce debt by paying off my credit cards every month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vivendi is under pressure to reduce debt.

The New York Times

AOL Time Warner had earmarked both gains to reduce debt.

The New York Times

The sale will also allow Scottish Power to reduce debt.

The New York Times

Havas has been reorganizing to cut costs and reduce debt.

The New York Times

Proceeds will be used to reduce debt, GPU said.

The New York Times

The plan is part of Vivendi's effort to reduce debt.

The New York Times

It will use the remaining $700 million to reduce debt.

The New York Times

A revamping program should reduce debt further, the company said.

The New York Times

Obviously it would be nice, eventually, to actually reduce debt.

The New York Times

It plans to use the proceeds to reduce debt.

The New York Times

Efforts to reduce debt also have cut interest payments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial strategies, be specific about how one plans to "reduce debt". Detail the actions taken, such as budgeting, increasing income, or consolidating loans.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a desire to "reduce debt" without outlining concrete steps. Readers need to understand the methods being employed to achieve debt reduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce debt" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action aimed at decreasing the amount of outstanding obligations. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase denotes the process of working to pay off or pay down debts. Many examples in Ludwig show it used in the context of companies and individuals trying to improve their financial positions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce debt" is a grammatically sound and very common expression signifying actions taken to lower the amount of money owed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase for describing efforts to improve financial situations. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. To enhance writing, be specific about the strategies employed when discussing debt reduction. Alternatives like "decrease indebtedness" or "pay down debt" can provide nuanced meaning. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore the phrase's frequent usage in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its vital role in financial discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease indebtedness

Focuses on the state of being in debt, suggesting a reduction in that state.

lower debt burden

Emphasizes the impact of debt and aims to alleviate its weight.

pay down debt

Highlights the act of actively repaying the debt.

alleviate debt

Suggests relieving the negative effects or severity of debt.

mitigate debt

Focuses on lessening the impact or extent of debt.

service debt obligations

Emphasizes fulfilling the required payments on debts.

restructure debt

Suggests reorganizing the terms of the debt to make it more manageable.

consolidate debt

Combines multiple debts into a single, often more manageable, loan.

improve financial health

A broader term encompassing debt reduction as a key component.

become debt-free

Emphasizes the ultimate goal of eliminating debt entirely.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce debt" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce debt" to describe actions taken to lower the amount of money owed, such as: "The company plans to "reduce debt" by selling assets" or "Another way to "reduce debt" is to dip into existing savings".

What are some alternative phrases for "reduce debt"?

Alternatives include "decrease indebtedness", "lower debt burden", and "pay down debt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "reduce debt" and "eliminate debt"?

"Reduce debt" implies lowering the amount of debt, while "eliminate debt" means completely getting rid of it. Reducing debt is a step towards potentially becoming "debt-free".

Which strategies can help "reduce debt" effectively?

Effective strategies include creating a budget, consolidating debts, increasing income, and making extra payments on high-interest debts. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide personalized guidance.