Expert: Kaylyn Anderson - 10/8/2010

Question
Hello,
I'm confused about how to use the expression "one lump sum", in the context of buying something. Are the following sentences grammatically correct?
1. I bought my house with one lump sum.
2. I bought my house in one lump sum.
3. I paid for my house in one lump sum.
4. I paid for my house with one lump sum.
My second question is can you use the expression "paid in full" to mean "one lump sum"? Am I using the expression correctly, in that context, in the following sentences?
5. I paid for my house in full.
6. When I bought my house I paid in full.

Answer
Dear Glen,

I'm chuckling at the moment, and I'm not sure where to start.

"Paid in full" usually means
a. I had a mortgage, paid on it faithfully for 30 years, and now, it's paid in full.

b. I paid cash for my house takes cares of all of your other scenarios.

I suppose one might be able to say, I paid for my house with one lump sum, but I'd rather write or speak with clarity: "I paid cash."

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Kaylyn