service the debt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "service the debt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in financial contexts to refer to the act of making payments on a debt, such as interest or principal repayments. Example: "The company was able to service the debt despite the economic downturn, ensuring its financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That would constitute default even if it offers to service the debt under local law.

The Economist

Operating funds now being used for capital expenses would be used to service the debt.

The New York Times

But the high taxes and fiscal surpluses required to service the debt weigh on the economy.

The Economist

"Vacancy rates have increased, making it more challenging to service the debt on the property.

The New York Times

If not, the fund will still be short of money and taxpayers will somehow have to service the debt.

The Economist

"We have the cash flow to service the debt," he said "and we can roll over the principal".

The New York Times

Anticipated nominal GDP growth comes nowhere close to being able to service the debt that has been accumulated since 2009.

The New Yorker

The key, of course, is to buy only firms with stable enough cashflows to service the debt.

The Economist

In other words, a highly-leveraged depreciating asset that sits empty and they have to service the debt.

The New York Times

The government said tax receipts last month declined 11.3percentt from prior year, increasing pressure to service the debt.

The New York Times

New customers are not being brought on line fast enough to provide the cash needed to service the debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial health, use "service the debt" to emphasize the ongoing process of making payments, rather than a one-time repayment. This highlights a continuous ability to meet financial obligations.

Common error

Avoid using "service the debt" when you actually mean to describe efforts to decrease the principal amount of the debt. "Servicing" only refers to managing the existing debt through payments, not reducing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "service the debt" functions as a verb phrase where "service" acts as a transitive verb, taking "the debt" as its direct object. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "service the debt" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, particularly in financial and economic discussions. As Ludwig confirms, it refers to the act of making payments on a debt, including both principal and interest. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and Forbes underscores its acceptance and relevance in professional and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from debt reduction, as "servicing" implies managing the current debt through payments, not decreasing the total amount owed. Understanding the nuances of "service the debt" ensures clear and accurate communication about financial obligations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet debt obligations

Focuses on fulfilling the requirements of the debt agreement.

repay the debt

Emphasizes the act of paying back the principal amount.

manage debt repayments

Highlights the active management of the repayment process.

handle debt commitments

Focuses on the responsibility and management aspect.

discharge debt liabilities

Indicates a more formal and complete settlement of debt.

defray debt expenses

Focuses on covering the costs associated with the debt.

cover debt payments

Highlights the act of ensuring there are sufficient funds for payments.

liquidate debt

Implies converting assets to pay off the debt.

settle debt accounts

Focuses on closing or resolving the debt.

amortize the debt

Refers to gradually reducing a debt via periodic payments.

FAQs

How can I use "service the debt" in a sentence?

You can use "service the debt" to describe a company's, government's, or individual's ability to make payments on their debt, such as interest and principal. For example, "The company was able to "service the debt" despite the economic downturn".

What is a simple way to explain "service the debt"?

"Service the debt" essentially means to "repay the debt" in a timely manner, covering both principal and interest as agreed in the loan terms. It indicates the ability to manage and fulfill financial obligations.

What are some alternatives to "service the debt" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "meet debt obligations", "manage debt repayments", or "handle debt commitments".

Which is the best context to use "service the debt"?

"Service the debt" is best used in financial or economic contexts when discussing the ability of an entity to make regular payments on its outstanding debt. It is commonly used when discussing companies, governments or large projects.