keep paying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep paying" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to give a command or instruction to continue with an action or behavior. For example: - "Please keep paying attention during the lecture." - "Don't forget to keep paying your bills on time." - "I will keep paying for your education as long as you keep working hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they keep paying them.

The Economist

Often, they seem happy to keep paying.

The Economist

He plans to keep paying them.

The Economist

Yet they keep paying for concerts.

The Economist

"We have to keep paying it forward".

The New York Times

Or should I just keep paying?

The New York Times

Banks could still keep paying dividends.

The New York Times

But at the same time, I can't keep paying ransoms".

The New York Times

Keep paying the bills, including any quarterly tax charges.

The New York Times

"But we can't keep paying people who slip and fall".

The New York Times - Arts

Treasury would employ "extraordinary measures" to keep paying its bills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep paying", clearly specify what they should continue to pay for. For example, "Keep paying the mortgage on time" is clearer than simply "Keep paying".

Common error

Ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations. Saying "We should keep paying" without specifying what or why can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep paying" functions as a verb phrase used to express the continuation of an action, specifically the act of making payments. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts, confirming its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep paying" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to instruct or encourage the continuation of financial payments. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news and media sources, and possesses a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "keep paying", clarity is key to avoid ambiguity, and it is essential to specify what should be continuously paid. Alternative phrases like "continue to pay" or "maintain payments" can provide a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to pay

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the act of continuing an action.

maintain payments

Focuses on the consistent upkeep of scheduled payments.

keep up with payments

Focuses on adhering to a payment schedule to avoid falling behind.

sustain contributions

Implies ongoing contributions, not necessarily monetary, but applicable to regular payments.

hold up payments

Emphasizes persistence in payment despite potential obstacles.

persist in paying

Highlights the determination to continue paying, even when facing difficulties.

regularly disburse

A more formal way to describe making payments on a consistent basis.

provide ongoing compensation

Suggests a formal or professional context where payments are for services rendered.

not cease payment

Emphasizes the absence of stopping payments.

uphold remittances

A more formal way to describe maintaining regular transfers of money.

FAQs

How can I use "keep paying" in a sentence?

You can use "keep paying" to instruct someone to continue making payments, as in, "Please "keep paying" the bills on time".

What's a more formal alternative to "keep paying"?

Alternatives include "continue to pay" or "maintain payments", which are suitable for professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "kept paying" instead of "keep paying"?

Yes, "kept paying" is the past tense form. For example, "She "kept paying" even when times were tough".

What does it mean to "keep paying it forward"?

To "keep paying it forward" means to continue doing good deeds for others, inspiring them to do the same.