continue to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of to keep paying (regularly) for something, such as a subscription or a loan. Example: I had to take out a loan to pay for college, but I continue to pay it off every month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We'll continue to pay our interest".

The New York Times

His parents' sacrifices continue to pay off.

The New York Times

Those efforts continue to pay off.

The New York Times

And students usually continue to pay fees while doing them.

The Economist

Certainly, other designers continue to pay homage to Saint Laurent.

The New York Times

And will Snapchat's audience continue to pay attention to it?

The New Yorker

We must continue to pay attention to his case".

The New York Times

But the company's political expertise could continue to pay dividends.

The New York Times

I will continue to pay the mortgage and maintenance.

The New York Times

I suggest that they should continue to pay.

The Guardian - Money

We need to continue to pay down the national debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to pay", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being paid for and why the continuation is relevant. For example, "Despite the company's financial difficulties, they will continue to pay their employees."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "continue to pay" with "continue paying". "Continue to pay" implies an intention or obligation to keep making payments, while "continue paying" focuses on the ongoing action of payment. For example, "The company will continue to pay its debts" versus "The company is continuing paying its debts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to pay" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the ongoing nature of an action, specifically the act of payment. It expresses a commitment or necessity to maintain financial transactions over a period. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Unknown

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to pay" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that expresses the sustained action of payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific publications, indicating its relevance in discussions about ongoing financial obligations. For those seeking alternative expressions, options like "keep paying" or "go on paying" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep paying

This alternative is more direct, emphasizing the act of persistent payment without necessarily implying a long-term commitment.

go on paying

This alternative is more conversational and suggests a casual continuation of payment.

carry on paying

Similar to "go on paying", this phrase implies an uninterrupted continuation of payments, often in the face of challenges.

persist in paying

This phrase emphasizes the determination or effort involved in continuing payments, suggesting potential difficulty or resistance.

keep up with payments

This phrase focuses on the effort required to stay current with payment obligations, suggesting a potential struggle or challenge.

keep current with payments

Similar to "keep up with payments", this option highlights the importance of avoiding late or missed payments.

maintain payments

This option highlights the consistency and regularity of the payments, suggesting a formal agreement or obligation.

sustain payments

This alternative emphasizes the ability to keep up with payments over time, often implying financial stability or resourcefulness.

never stop paying

This emphasizes the idea of continuous, uninterrupted payments, implying a strong commitment or obligation.

routinely pay

Indicates that payments are made regularly and consistently, as part of a set procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to pay" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to pay" to describe an ongoing obligation or intention to make payments, such as "We will continue to pay our employees during the shutdown" or "Customers must "continue to pay their bills" on time to avoid late fees."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "continue to pay"?

Alternatives to "continue to pay" include phrases like "keep paying", "persist in paying", or "go on paying", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "continue to pay" and "continue paying"?

Yes, "continue to pay" suggests an intention or decision to keep paying, while "continue paying" describes the action of payments that are already in progress. For example, "The city decided to "continue to pay for the project"", versus "The city is continuing paying for the project".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "continue to pay"?

It's appropriate to use "continue to pay" in contexts where you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of a financial commitment or obligation, such as loans, salaries, or subscriptions. It can also be used when emphasizing the importance of continuous attention such as "we must "continue to pay attention" to his case".