he should pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he should pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an obligation or expectation for someone to make a payment or settle a debt. Example: "After reviewing the bill, I believe he should pay for his share of the expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He should pay a price for it".

The New York Times

He should pay for it personally".

The Guardian

He wondered what he should pay.

The New Yorker

"He asked me out, so he should pay".

Independent

No matter what party someone belongs to, he should pay attention to political realities".

The New York Times

I think he should pay it; after all, he lent me damaged goods!

The New York Times - Magazine

If someone chooses to use them, he should pay more for health insurance.

The New York Times

However, he had "no hesitation" in rejecting Huhne's submission that he should pay just £25,000.

The Guardian

I just think he should pay market value like I'm paying".

The New York Times

"If he is guilty," said Tomasa Sánchez, 35, a cellphone saleswoman, "then he should pay".

The New York Times

"As there is nothing available, I direct that he should pay the nominal sum of £1 within seven days".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he should pay", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason or justification for the obligation. For instance, specify the debt, service, or action that warrants the payment.

Common error

Avoid using "he should pay" without clarifying what the payment is for. Vague statements can lead to confusion or disagreement. Be specific about the reason for the expected payment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he should pay" functions as an expression of obligation or expectation. It indicates that, in the speaker's view, the subject has a responsibility to make a payment. This aligns with the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used in contexts ranging from moral obligations to financial responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he should pay" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an expectation or obligation for someone to make a payment. As shown by Ludwig, it's versatile, appearing in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday discussions. The contexts range from assigning financial responsibility to highlighting moral duties. While "he should pay" is generally neutral in tone, specifying the context of the payment is crucial for clarity. If you are looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "he needs to pay", "he is required to pay", or "he is obligated to pay", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is obligated to pay

Replaces "should" with "is obligated to", indicating a stronger sense of duty or legal requirement.

he is required to pay

Similar to 'obligated', this phrase emphasizes a mandatory aspect of the payment.

he needs to pay

Uses "needs to" instead of "should", suggesting a necessity.

he has to pay

Substitutes "should" with "has to", indicating a practical requirement.

he will have to pay

Expresses that paying is a must, a future event that cannot be avoided.

it's his responsibility to pay

Shifts the focus to the responsibility aspect of making the payment.

he is expected to pay

Indicates that there is an expectation for him to fulfill the payment.

payment is due from him

A more formal way to express that he needs to make a payment.

he is liable for payment

Highlights the legal liability for making the payment.

he is slated to pay

This is mainly used when talking about scheduled payments or a prior agreement of payment.

FAQs

How can I use "he should pay" in a sentence?

Use "he should pay" to express an opinion or expectation about someone's obligation to make a payment. For example: "Since he caused the damage, "he should pay" for the repairs."

What are some alternatives to saying "he should pay"?

You can use alternatives like "he needs to pay", "he is required to pay", or "he is obligated to pay" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he must pay" instead of "he should pay"?

Yes, "he must pay" is grammatically correct and indicates a stronger obligation than "he should pay". "He must pay" implies a necessity or requirement, while "he should pay" suggests a recommendation or expectation.

What's the difference between "he should pay" and "he may pay"?

"He should pay" implies an obligation or expectation, whereas "he may pay" suggests a possibility or permission, not a requirement. The choice depends on whether you're indicating a duty or a potential action.