to make a payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make a payment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of transferring money in exchange for goods or services. Example: "Please ensure to make a payment by the end of the month to avoid any late fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The retirees agreed to make a payment to compensate the firm's creditors.

The New York Times

Firms usually get a few weeks' grace to make a payment.

The Economist

He was investigated under an ethics panel and had to make a payment associated with that.

The New York Times

"He said, 'I didn't have to make a payment for 90 days,' " Cacciari remembered, laughing.

The New York Times - Sports

"I get it because I want to make a payment on time," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Borrowers are not required to make a payment on that loan for the first six months.

The New York Times

"Does that mean I don't have to make a payment next month?

The New York Times

Then they will have to make a payment in full for their winnings.

The New York Times

The device then uses one of the credit cards stored in your iTunes account to make a payment.

The New Yorker

And Americans have been just as happy to pull out their credit cards as their cellphones to make a payment.

The New York Times

And Brits are now more likely to make a payment using a contactless card than a cheque book.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial transactions, clarify the method and timing of the payment. For example, specify "to make a payment online", "to make a payment before the due date", or "to make a payment in installments".

Common error

Avoid using "making a payment" when you intend to express a general ability or obligation. Use "to make a payment" when describing an action to be taken, and "making a payment" when it's part of a continuous action or gerund phrase. For instance, say "It is necessary to make a payment by Friday" instead of "It is necessary making a payment by Friday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make a payment" functions as an infinitive, often acting as a noun (subject or object of a verb) or an adverb (modifying a verb). It is frequently used to describe the action of transferring funds, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make a payment" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the act of transferring funds, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct, very common across various contexts, and generally carries a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the method and timing of the payment. While it's a straightforward phrase, being mindful of the distinction between "to make a payment" and "making a payment" can prevent grammatical errors. Alternatives include "to render a payment" or "to submit a payment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to render a payment

Emphasizes the formal act of providing a payment.

to submit a payment

Highlights the action of sending in a payment.

to process a payment

Focuses on the handling and execution of a payment.

to clear a payment

Indicates the successful completion and validation of a payment.

to issue a payment

Highlights the action of formally releasing a payment.

to settle an account

Broader term focusing on resolving a debt, which often involves payment.

to remit funds

Formal way to say sending money, often internationally.

to transfer funds

Focuses on the movement of money between accounts.

to disburse money

Implies the careful distribution or allocation of funds for a specific purpose.

to defray costs

Specifically refers to covering expenses, usually partial.

FAQs

How can I use "to make a payment" in a sentence?

You can use "to make a payment" when referring to the act of transferring money for goods or services. For example: "Please ensure "to make a payment" by the end of the month to avoid late fees."

What are some alternatives to "to make a payment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to render a payment", "to submit a payment", or "to process a payment".

Which is correct, "to make a payment" or "making a payment"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different uses. "To make a payment" is an infinitive phrase, often used to express intention or purpose. "Making a payment" is a gerund phrase, which functions as a noun and is used to describe an ongoing action.

Is there a difference between "to make a payment" and "to process a payment"?

While both relate to financial transactions, "to make a payment" refers to the act of initiating the transfer of money, whereas "to process a payment" refers to the steps taken by the recipient or financial institution to complete the transaction.