what is owed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is owed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing debts, obligations, or entitlements. Example: "He finally received what is owed to him after the settlement." Alternative expressions include "what is due" and "what is required."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They just want to get paid what is owed.

The New York Times - Food

In what is owed there is a lot of certainty.

The Economist

He suggested that people use their deductions to reduce what is owed from taxable securities.

The New York Times

Reckoning with what is owed — and what can never be repaid — for racial privilege.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Orioles want the Blue Jays to absorb some of what is owed on Mondesi's contract.

The New York Times - Sports

In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept less than what is owed on the mortgage.

The New York Times

But millions of homeowners either lack sufficient income or have houses no longer worth what is owed on the mortgage.

The New York Times

Short sales occur when lenders allow homes to be sold for less than what is owed on the mortgage.

The New York Times

"That's why it is for Mr Price's good you must ensure he pays you what is owed".

The Guardian - Books

Trivial as it might seem, the dispute touches on a real issue, worth pursuing: what is owed to guests who see the world differently?

The New Yorker

But any collector that wins the state's business cannot accept less than what is owed without consulting the agency that referred the debt and the Budget Division.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is owed", ensure clarity by specifying to whom it is owed and the context of the obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "what is owed" in active voice constructions. It inherently implies a passive relationship, where something is due to someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is owed" functions as a noun phrase or nominal clause, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to something that is due or payable. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is owed" is a versatile phrase used to express an obligation or debt. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. Its meaning is closely related to phrases like "what is due" and "what is required", although each carries slightly different connotations. Remember to use "what is owed" in passive constructions, clarifying to whom it is owed for maximum clarity. This phrase is a valuable tool for discussing liabilities, entitlements, and other forms of responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is due

Focuses on the idea of something being payable or rightfully belonging to someone.

what is required

Emphasizes the necessity or obligation to fulfill a certain expectation.

what is outstanding

Highlights the portion of a debt or obligation that remains unpaid or unfulfilled.

what is payable

Indicates the amount that is currently able to be paid or is ready for disbursement.

what must be paid

Stresses the imperative nature of fulfilling a financial obligation.

what is deserved

Shifts the focus to entitlements based on actions or qualities.

what is coming

Implies an expectation of receiving something, often in the future.

what is reimbursable

Specifies amounts that can be claimed back as a refund or repayment.

what is claimable

Highlights the legal or rightful ability to make a demand for something.

what is the liability

Addresses a specific debt or obligation that a person or entity is responsible for.

FAQs

How can I use "what is owed" in a sentence?

You can use "what is owed" to refer to a debt, obligation, or entitlement. For example, "They just want to get paid "what is owed"."

What's a good alternative to "what is owed"?

Alternatives to "what is owed" include phrases like "what is due", "what is required", or "what is outstanding", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "what is owing" instead of "what is owed"?

While "owing" can describe the state of being indebted, "what is owed" is generally preferred in formal writing to refer to the specific amount or obligation.

What's the difference between "what is owed" and "what is due"?

Both phrases are similar, but "what is due" often implies a scheduled or expected payment, whereas ""what is owed"" can refer to any kind of debt or obligation, regardless of its payment schedule.