fork out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fork out" is a commonly used idiom in written English.
It is used to mean "to pay a large sum of money, usually more than you had expected". For example, "I had to fork out a lot of money to repair my car after hitting a pothole."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mostly on the North Fork out by Orient Point.

The New York Times

Tourists happily fork out $50 a time for them.

The Economist

Frequent power cuts force firms to fork out for generators.

The Economist

So don't panic people, don't fork out on that".

The Guardian - Music

People have to fork out for hefty school fees.

The New York Times

Marsh will fork out more than any other financial-services firm targeted by Mr Spitzer.

The Economist

But manufacturers still had to fork out 25 cents for every FireWire device they produced.

The Economist

But if players had to fork out more for referees, they might abuse them less.

The Economist

And yet still Mugabe is able to fork out £600,000 for a party.

Independent

Texans have to fork out even more.Beating the fire ants is not easy.

The Economist

At the Met itself you'd fork out around $300 £1800) for a seat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fork out" when you want to emphasize the unexpected or reluctant nature of the payment. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts, adding a touch of informality and personality to your expression.

Common error

Avoid using "fork out" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more neutral term like "pay" or "spend" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes imply a negative sentiment towards the expense.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fork out" is as a phrasal verb, specifically functioning as an idiomatic expression meaning to pay or spend money, often unexpectedly or reluctantly. Ludwig provides examples where it substitutes more formal alternatives like "pay" or "disburse funds".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fork out" is a common phrasal verb that means to pay money, often unexpectedly or reluctantly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, remember that "fork out" carries an informal tone, making it less suitable for highly formal or business settings. Consider alternatives like "pay" or "disburse funds" for professional communications. The phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation and journalistic contexts, conveying a sense of financial burden or unexpected expense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay up

Similar in meaning, but can imply reluctance or obligation.

shell out

An informal alternative with a similar sense of reluctantly paying.

cough up

A more forceful and reluctant way to say "pay up".

lay out money

Focuses on the act of spending or investing money.

spend money

A more general term for using money.

foot the bill

Implies responsibility for covering the entire cost.

make a payment

A formal way to refer to the action of paying.

disburse funds

A very formal and technical term for distributing money.

come up with the money

Emphasizes the effort required to obtain the necessary funds.

bear the expense

Highlights the act of carrying or absorbing a cost.

FAQs

How can I use "fork out" in a sentence?

You can use "fork out" to describe paying a sum of money, especially when it's unexpected or reluctantly given. For instance, "I had to fork out a fortune for car repairs this month."

What's a less informal way to say "fork out"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative to "fork out", consider using phrases like "make a payment" or simply "pay".

Is it correct to use "fork out" in business writing?

While "fork out" is widely understood, it's generally better to use more professional terms like "disburse funds" or "cover the cost" in business or academic contexts.

Which is more appropriate, "fork out" or "shell out"?

"Fork out" and "shell out" are quite similar, both implying a payment made perhaps grudgingly. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey, though "shell out" might be perceived as slightly more colloquial.