paid for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paid for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an item which has been given a monetary value and exchanged for money. For example, "I had to save for a few months, but I finally paid for the new bike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You paid for them".

The New Yorker

He paid for them.

The New Yorker

"People paid for content".

The New York Times

Jason paid for that".

The New York Times - Magazine

I paid for Eddie.

The New York Times - Sports

Who paid for them?

The Economist

You paid for her.

The New York Times

They paid for it.

The New Yorker

I paid for it.

The New Yorker

Tennessee's paid for it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a paid-for development".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paid for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was purchased or covered. For example, instead of saying "It's paid for", specify "The car is paid for".

Common error

Avoid using "paid for" loosely to imply that a task is completed without specifying that money was involved. For example, don't say "The work is paid for" if you mean "The work is done".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paid for" functions as a past participle modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the cost associated with that noun has been covered. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from personal purchases to organizational expenditures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "paid for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that a financial obligation has been met. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains, particularly in news, media, and formal communications. When writing, ensure that the context is clear regarding what has been "paid for" to avoid ambiguity. Common errors involve using the phrase to imply completion without the specific involvement of a monetary transaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settled the bill

Focuses on the act of finalizing a payment.

covered the expenses

Emphasizes managing and paying costs.

footed the bill

An idiomatic way of saying someone paid the entire amount.

borne the cost

Highlights enduring or accepting financial responsibility.

reimbursed for

Specifically refers to repaying someone for expenses they incurred.

compensated for

Focuses on providing payment as a form of reimbursement or redress.

defrayed expenses

Emphasizes lessening the burden of costs.

disbursed funds

Highlights the formal allocation and distribution of money.

invested in

Implies a payment made with the expectation of future returns or benefits.

sponsored

Indicates financial support provided for an event, person, or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "paid for" in a sentence?

You can use "paid for" to indicate that the cost of something has been fully covered. For example, "I finally "paid off" my student loans" or "The new equipment was "bought" and "paid for" in full".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "paid for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "covered the cost", "settled the bill", or "footed the bill" to convey that a payment has been made.

Is it correct to say "fully paid for" instead of "paid for"?

Yes, "fully paid for" is a correct and more emphatic way of saying that something has been completely paid for. Both phrases are acceptable, but "fully paid for" adds extra emphasis.

What does it mean when someone says "They paid for it dearly"?

When someone says "They paid for it dearly", it means they suffered significant consequences for their actions. It implies that the consequences were severe and often unexpected.