it will pay for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will pay for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the financial benefits or returns of an investment or expense. Example: "Investing in renewable energy may seem costly at first, but it will pay for itself in the long run through savings on energy bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each has its own criteria for what it will pay for, and each is toughening those criteria.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sanofi is also likely to raise the price it will pay for Genzyme shares from its current tender offer of $69, these people said.

The New York Times

It will pay for filmmaker's school.

The New Yorker

It will pay for itself in gasoline saved.

WikiHow

It will pay for the purchase from existing cash.

The New York Times

Afterward, Apple calculates how much it will pay for a part.

The New York Times

We win one case and it will pay for our entire national advertising budget".

The New York Times

It will pay for replacing your belongings in the event of a fire, theft or damage.

Stanford University

Membership cost just under £30 but I'm sure it will pay for itself over the year.

The Guardian - Money

Medicare has since raised the amount it will pay for Aranesp.

The New York Times - Health

It will pay for landscaping, street improvements, traffic studies and upgrades to the AirTrain at Kennedy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will pay for", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of "The project is expensive, but it will pay for itself", specify: "The project's long-term energy savings will pay for the initial investment".

Common error

Avoid assuming immediate returns when stating "it will pay for". Instead, qualify the timeframe: "While the upgrade is costly, it will pay for itself over the next five years through reduced maintenance expenses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will pay for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something will cover the cost of something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically involves a subject (explicit or implied) that will provide the necessary funds or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will pay for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something will cover the cost of something else or prove to be a worthwhile investment, as highlighted by Ludwig. It finds common application across diverse contexts such as news, general discussions, and academic writings. Key considerations include ensuring clarity about what 'it' refers to and qualifying the timeframe for returns to avoid misinterpretations. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use, making it a valuable addition to one's communication arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will cover the cost of

Focuses specifically on covering expenses.

it will compensate for

Highlights the act of providing recompense.

it will finance

Implies providing the necessary funds.

it will yield a return on

Emphasizes the aspect of profitability and return.

it will be worth the investment

Underscores the value and benefits outweighing the initial expenditure.

it will foot the bill for

Informal way of saying it will take responsibility for payment.

it will take care of the expenses

Focuses on managing and handling financial obligations.

it will reimburse

Specifies the act of repaying or refunding.

the expense will be justified

Highlights the justification for spending.

it will shoulder the costs

Implies taking on the financial burden.

FAQs

How can I use "it will pay for" in a sentence?

Use "it will pay for" to indicate that something will cover the cost of something else, or be worth the investment. Example: "The energy-efficient upgrade "it will pay for" itself in reduced utility bills."

What are some alternatives to "it will pay for"?

Alternatives include "it will cover the cost of", "it will compensate for", or "it will finance", depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it correct to say "it will pay for itself"?

Yes, "it will pay for itself" is a common and grammatically correct expression, meaning that the benefits or savings will eventually equal or exceed the initial cost. It's very similar to saying that "it will be worth the investment".

What's the difference between "it will pay for" and "it will account for"?

"It will pay for" indicates financial coverage or return on investment. "It will account for" means it will explain or constitute a portion of something. For example, "The grant "it will pay for" the equipment", versus "This factor "it will account for" 20% of the total cost".