be used to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the purpose of funds or resources in a financial context. Example: "The funds raised during the charity event will be used to pay for medical supplies for the local hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ticket sales will be used to pay for dinner.

Columbia University

Proceeds from the sale will be used to pay debt.

The New York Times

The proceeds will be used to pay down debt.

The New York Times

The funds will be used to pay down debt.

The Guardian - Business

The revenue would be used to pay dividends to households.

The Washington Post

budget, to be used to pay fighters and their families.

The New York Times

Profits from high oil prices will be used to pay the debt, Moss said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These funds will first be used to pay your tuition bill.

Yale University

The cash in the deal will be used to pay some of Adelphia's team debt.

The New York Times - Sports

Proceeds from selling the company, Teccor Electronics, will be used to pay debt, Invensys said.

The New York Times

The proceeds will be used to pay debt, Georgia-Pacific said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial matters, clarify what specific funds or resources will "be used to pay" for to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "sales proceeds will be used to pay debts."

Common error

Avoid using "be used to pay" in situations where an active voice would be more direct and engaging. Instead of "the money will be used to pay the bills", consider "the money will pay the bills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used to pay" functions as an infinitive phrase. It typically indicates the purpose or intention behind allocating specific funds or resources. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase specifies what something will be used for, especially in financial contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be used to pay" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to indicate the intended purpose of funds or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news, academia, and business. To improve clarity, specify what funds "will be used to pay", and when possible, consider using the active voice for a more direct style. Alternatives such as "be allocated for payment" or "be designated for payment" may suit different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be allocated for payment

Focuses on the formal allocation of funds, which is slightly more specific than the general use of "be used to pay".

be designated for payment

Highlights the intended purpose of funds being set aside, adding emphasis on the designation process.

be applied to payment

Emphasizes the action of using the funds towards a payment, highlighting the application aspect.

be employed for payment

This alternative emphasizes the active utilization of resources to fulfill payment obligations.

be devoted to payment

Suggests a dedicated allocation of resources, conveying a sense of commitment to payment.

funds are for payment

A simpler phrasing that clearly states the intended purpose of the funds.

revenue to cover payments

Focuses on revenue generation specifically to handle payments, emphasizing the source of funds.

monies intended for payment

Highlights the intention behind allocating the funds, adding a layer of purpose.

proceeds for settling dues

Specifically refers to proceeds used to settle debts or obligations, adding a financial context.

resources for defraying costs

Implies covering costs partially, suggesting a contribution rather than a full payment.

FAQs

How can I use "be used to pay" in a sentence?

Use "be used to pay" to indicate the intended purpose of funds or resources. For instance, "The grant money will "be used to pay" for research equipment".

What are some alternatives to "be used to pay"?

Alternatives include "be allocated for payment", "be designated for payment", or "funds are for payment", depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "be used to pay"?

Yes, more formal options include "be applied to payment" or "be employed for payment", often used in official or business contexts.

What is the difference between "be used to pay" and "be used for paying"?

"Be used to pay" (infinitive) emphasizes the intended purpose, while "be used for paying" (gerund) emphasizes the action. For example, "The funds will "be used to pay" debts" focuses on the outcome, and "The funds will "be used for paying" debts" highlights the process of payment.