B2verb 1K

Owe

🇬🇧 UK /["/əʊ/","/əʊz/","/əʊd/","/ˈəʊɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/əʊ/","/əʊz/","/əʊd/","/ˈəʊɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Owe

to have to pay somebody for something that you have already received or return money that you have borrowed

In simple words: To need to pay someone money or to feel that you should do something for someone.

Owe in a sentence

• I owe you twenty dollars for the concert tickets.
• He owes his success to hard work and determination.
• Do you still owe your friend that book?
• They owe it to their team to give their best effort.
• I owe my parents a visit since I haven't seen them in ages.

How to use Owe

Use 'owe' when talking about debts, favors, or responsibilities. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts. Avoid it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

owe + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'oh'! Imagine someone saying 'Oh, I owe you money!'

Related words

Collocations with Owe

• owe money
• owe someone a favor
• owe a debt
• owe it to someone

Synonyms for Owe

• debt
• be in debt
• be obligated
• liability

Opposites of Owe

• receive
• pay off

Common mistakes with Owe

• Confusing 'owe' with 'own'.
• 'Owe' is often misused with wrong prepositions.
• Using 'owe' incorrectly in past tense without 'owned'.

Frequently asked questions about Owe

What does Owe mean?

To need to pay someone money or to feel that you should do something for someone.

What is the definition of Owe?

to have to pay somebody for something that you have already received or return money that you have borrowed

How do you use Owe in a sentence?

I owe you twenty dollars for the concert tickets.

Can you give another example of Owe?

He owes his success to hard work and determination.

What are synonyms for Owe?

Common alternatives include debt, be in debt, be obligated, liability.

What is the opposite of Owe?

Opposite meanings include receive, pay off.

What words go with Owe?

It commonly pairs with owe money, owe someone a favor, owe a debt, owe it to someone.

What are common mistakes when using Owe?

Confusing 'owe' with 'own'. 'Owe' is often misused with wrong prepositions. Using 'owe' incorrectly in past tense without 'owned'.

How do you pronounce Owe?

US: /["/əʊ/","/əʊz/","/əʊd/","/ˈəʊɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/əʊ/","/əʊz/","/əʊd/","/ˈəʊɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Owe?

Use 'owe' when talking about debts, favors, or responsibilities. It's neutral and appropriate in most contexts. Avoid it in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Owe?

"Owe" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.