a payback for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a payback for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a form of retribution or compensation for a previous action or event. Example: "The unexpected bonus was seen as a payback for the hard work the team had put in during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was also something of a payback for Cotton.

The Guardian

"The categories where there were declines were mainly a payback for the warmer weather".

The New York Times

"There is a payback for communities if we can do it in a regulated way.

Independent

"The attack seems a payback for the mounting frequency of the drone attacks," Professor Hussain said.

The New York Times

To my mind, it's a payback for something that has provided so much joy".

The New York Times

"It will be a payback for all of the struggles I went through".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

RANDOLPH SCOTT A Motorcycle Payback For a first date, Randolph Scott splurged.

The New York Times

That's a pretty high rate of an apparent payback for a favor.

The New York Times - Sports

(ii) those assets have a payback period for the operator that is longer than seven years.

European Parliament

(ii) those assets have a payback period for the operator that is longer than five years.

European Parliament

Nobel laureate Toni Morrison describes this as a state of "compulsive gratefulness" – a psychic payback for the breakthrough of upward mobility and societal acceptance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a payback for", ensure the context clearly establishes what action or event is being compensated or avenged. Providing this clarity enhances the sentence's impact and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a payback for" when a simple reward or acknowledgement is more appropriate. "Payback" often carries a connotation of balancing a wrong or addressing a grievance, so ensure the situation warrants this stronger term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a payback for" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a prepositional complement, often indicating a consequence or result tied to a previous action. Ludwig AI shows it appears across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a payback for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express a consequence, whether positive or negative, that serves as a form of retribution or compensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts and is generally considered neutral in tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what action or event is being addressed, and be mindful of the potential connotation of balancing a wrong. Alternatives like ""a reward for"" or ""a recompense for"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a retaliation for

Emphasizes a vengeful response to a prior action.

a recompense for

Suggests a formal compensation or amends for something.

a reward for

Indicates a positive consequence for a deserving action.

a return for

Implies a reciprocal action or benefit in exchange.

a compensation for

Highlights the act of providing something to offset a loss or damage.

an equivalent for

Denotes something that serves as a substitute or equal value.

an atonement for

Signifies making amends for a wrong or sin.

a requital for

Refers to repaying a kindness or a wrong.

a satisfaction for

Indicates providing fulfillment or gratification in return.

a countermeasure for

Suggests an action taken to counteract a threat or negative effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a payback for" in a sentence?

Use "a payback for" to describe a form of retribution or compensation. For example: "The improved sales figures were "a payback for" the team's dedicated marketing efforts."

What's a good alternative to "a payback for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a retaliation for", "a recompense for", or "a reward for".

Is it correct to use "payback" in a positive context?

While "payback" often implies retribution, it can also be used to describe a positive outcome that compensates for previous efforts or struggles. Context is key to interpreting its meaning.

What is the difference between "a payback for" and "compensation for"?

"A payback for" often carries a stronger sense of balancing a wrong or righting a previous imbalance, while "compensation for" generally refers to offsetting a loss or damage.