What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instalment
Example
I will pay for the car in instalments over the next two years. [instalments: noun]
Example
The book will be released in three instalments, with the first one coming out next month. [instalments: noun]
payment
Example
I made a payment for my phone bill yesterday. [payment: noun]
Example
The payment for the car was due last week. [payment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Payment is more commonly used than instalment in everyday language. Payment is a versatile term that covers a wide range of financial transactions, while instalment is more specific and often used in the context of loans or debts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instalment and payment?
Both instalment and payment can be used in formal and informal contexts, but payment is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
