repay a debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repay a debt" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to fulfill or settle a financial obligation that one owes to someone else. Example: John promised to repay the debt he owed to his friend by the end of the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Not repay a debt?

The New York Times

Now the country is being destroyed, he wants to repay a debt.

The Guardian - Arts

We illustrate the results with a simulation example in which we employ receding horizon control to design an investment strategy to repay a debt.

Systems & Control Letters

The afternoon I arrived a man was nipping back to Mexico to repay a debt to a friend.

The Guardian

The Macedonian Jews, delighted by the opportunity to repay a debt from the Second World War, went into a frenzy of lobbying and organizing.

The New Yorker

She had been forced into a marriage by her parents in Nigeria to repay a debt that her family had accrued.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

In a sense, he said, he was repaying a debt.

The New York Times - Arts

Mostly, though, he was repaying a debt to the borough.

The New York Times - Arts

Repaying a Debt Amy Lynette Smith thought she would die.

The New York Times

He has talked of repaying a debt for getting lucky.

The Guardian

When repaying a debt, was the borrower obliged to repay a set number of coins?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "repay a debt", clearly specify what is being repaid (e.g., "repay a financial debt", "repay a debt of gratitude"). This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "repay a debt" when referring to penalties or fines. A fine is a punishment, while a debt is an obligation. Use "pay a fine" instead of "repay a fine".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "repay a debt" is as a verb phrase, where "repay" acts as the transitive verb and "a debt" as its direct object. It describes the action of fulfilling a financial or moral obligation. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repay a debt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for describing the act of fulfilling an obligation. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans from formal financial contexts to everyday conversations. To ensure clarity, specify what kind of debt is being repaid. Alternatives such as ""settle a debt"" or ""discharge a debt"" can be used for variety. When using the phrase, remember that it is more suited for obligations and debts than for the case of fines, in which case "pay a fine" is more appropriate. Ludwig's examples show its versatility across various domains, solidifying its place in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settle a debt

Emphasizes the finality of resolving the debt.

discharge a debt

Suggests a formal or legal clearance of the debt.

honor an obligation

Highlights the moral aspect of fulfilling a commitment.

meet a financial commitment

Focuses specifically on the financial nature of the debt.

clear a balance

Implies reducing a balance to zero.

liquidate a liability

A more formal and financial term for paying off a debt.

pay off a loan

Specifically refers to repaying a borrowed sum.

make restitution

Implies restoring something lost or damaged, often financially.

square accounts

To settle a debt and ensure balances are correct.

make good on a promise

Broadens the concept to include any kind of commitment, not just financial.

FAQs

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

You can use "repay a debt" to describe the act of fulfilling an obligation, whether financial or moral. For example, "He worked hard to "repay a debt" to his parents for funding his education".

What's a good alternative to "repay a debt"?

Alternatives include "settle a debt", "discharge a debt", or "honor an obligation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "repay a favor" instead of "repay a debt"?

While related, "repay a favor" is more appropriate when reciprocating a kind act, whereas "repay a debt" specifically refers to fulfilling an obligation, typically financial. Though you can consider a favor a symbolic debt, make sure that the phrase fits.

What's the difference between "repay a debt" and "pay off a debt"?

"Pay off a debt" usually refers to completely eliminating a financial obligation, such as a loan or mortgage. "Repay a debt" is a more general term that can refer to paying back any kind of obligation, whether partially or fully.