efforts to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "efforts to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing attempts or initiatives to make a payment or fulfill a financial obligation. Example: "The company is making significant efforts to pay off its debts and improve its financial standing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Over the years, he has regularly rallied against efforts to pay for government services on credit.

The New York Times

First of all, I'd abandon all efforts to pay off the National Debt (Greek style).

Independent

The sale is part of efforts to pay for the bailout of the country's insolvent banks.

The New York Times

Mr. Rajan said he was unimpressed by efforts to pay executives partially in stock.

The New York Times

After Mr. Hussein's fall, however, Mr. Bush's administration fought efforts to pay the claim.

The New York Times

He expects his efforts to pay off and thinks the spa will clear $50,000 in its first year.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Nevertheless, Sustainalytics expects the effort to pay a "reputational dividend".

The Guardian

Initially, there was some talk of a large memorial service, of a wholesale effort to pay respects to heroism.

The New York Times

He sold off his truck, his dining room furniture, his Maytag refrigerator — all in an effort to pay his mortgage.

The New York Times

"We're already eating up the surplus, and the federal government has a war effort to pay for," he said.

The New York Times

All claim to make every effort to pay a correct amount of compensation.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial obligations, use "efforts to pay" to clearly convey attempts being made to meet those obligations.

Common error

Avoid using "efforts to pay" when referring to the intention to pay in the future without concrete actions. Instead, use phrases like "plans to pay" or "intention to settle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "efforts to pay" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive phrase, indicating a purpose or intention. This is frequently used to describe actions taken to fulfill a financial obligation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "efforts to pay" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote attempts to fulfill financial responsibilities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for professional and general discourse. While primarily describing active attempts at settling debts, it's crucial to differentiate it from mere intentions. For alternatives, consider "attempts at payment" or "endeavors to compensate" for nuanced expressions. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects concrete actions rather than future plans to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempts to reimburse

Synonymous, focusing on attempts at repayment.

attempts at payment

Focuses on the action of paying, emphasizing the attempts made.

endeavors to compensate

Uses more formal language, highlighting the intent to provide compensation.

moves to compensate

Indicates specific actions or maneuvers aimed at providing compensation.

steps toward settlement

Emphasizes the progression and actions taken towards a resolution.

initiatives for reimbursement

Highlights the proactive measures taken for financial reimbursement.

strategies for settlement

Emphasizes planned methods to achieve financial settlement.

measures for remuneration

Uses a more formal term for payment, stressing the actions taken.

plans for remittance

Highlights planned or scheduled payments.

actions to defray costs

Focuses on reducing expenses through specific actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "efforts to pay" to describe attempts made to settle a financial obligation. For example, "Despite the company's "efforts to pay" its debts, it still faced bankruptcy."

What are some alternatives to "efforts to pay"?

Alternatives include "attempts at payment", "endeavors to compensate", or "steps toward settlement", depending on the specific context.

Is "efforts to pay" grammatically correct?

Yes, "efforts to pay" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe attempts to fulfill a financial obligation.

What is the difference between "efforts to pay" and "intention to pay"?

"Efforts to pay" implies active attempts are being made, while "intention to pay" only suggests a plan or desire to pay in the future.