fail to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone does not fulfill their obligation to make a payment. Example: "If you fail to pay your rent on time, you may face penalties or eviction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Victims whose relatives fail to pay are killed.

The New Yorker

And what happens if you fail to pay?

The Guardian - Money

Inevitably, some customers who buy on credit fail to pay.

The New York Times

Yet many local governments fail to pay out.

The Guardian

Yet, we fail to pay teachers their value.

The Washington Post

If the parents fail to pay, the child usually gets no hukou.

The Economist

Many people fail to pay taxes because they are not legally obliged to do so.

The Economist

Cities have discovered that low-density developments fail to pay for their own infrastructure.

The New York Times

About 10% of Mr Harvey's patients fail to pay their bills.

The Economist

Websites go down when their owners fail to pay hosting fees.

Cornell University

§ 792.24 Can NCUA charge me interest if I fail to pay my bill?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "default on payment" or "neglect to pay" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to pay" when you mean "refuse to pay". Failing implies an inability or oversight, while refusing suggests a deliberate choice. Use the word that best describes the intention behind not paying.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to pay" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates a lack of fulfillment of an obligation, specifically the act of making a payment. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its usage in various contexts such as taxes, debts, and wages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to pay" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that describes the act of not fulfilling a payment obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and offers examples from various sources, ranging from news articles to academic papers. It is used in neutral register across many contexts. It's important to distinguish it from "refuse to pay", which implies a deliberate choice. Overall, "fail to pay" is a common and useful phrase for describing financial delinquencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miss a payment

A simple and direct way to state that a payment was not made.

default on payment

Indicates a failure to meet the terms of a payment agreement, implying a legal or contractual obligation.

be unable to pay

Focuses on the lack of capacity or means to make a payment.

neglect to pay

Suggests an oversight or lack of attention led to the failure to pay.

omit payment

Highlights the act of leaving out or excluding a payment.

refuse to pay

Indicates a deliberate and potentially defiant choice not to pay.

withhold payment

Implies a deliberate decision to not pay, often due to a dispute or dissatisfaction.

become delinquent

Describes a state of being behind on payments, often referring to accounts or loans.

be in arrears

Refers to being behind on scheduled payments, typically for ongoing obligations like rent or dues.

bounce a check

Specifically refers to a check being rejected by the bank due to insufficient funds.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to pay" to describe a situation where someone does not meet their obligation to make a payment. For example, "If you "fail to pay your taxes", you may incur penalties."

What are some alternatives to "fail to pay"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "default on payment", "neglect to pay", or "miss a payment".

What is the difference between "fail to pay" and "refuse to pay"?

"Fail to pay" implies an inability or oversight in making a payment, while "refuse to pay" suggests a deliberate decision not to pay. One suggests an accident, the other a choice.

What happens if I "fail to pay" a debt?

The consequences of "fail[ing] to pay" a debt can vary depending on the type of debt and the agreement you have with the creditor. Common consequences include late fees, a negative impact on your credit score, and potential legal action.