pay immediately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay immediately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where prompt payment is required, such as invoices or payment reminders. Example: "Please ensure that you pay immediately to avoid any late fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, buyers at auction often have to pay immediately.

The New York Times

Despite initially boasting that he could pay immediately, he remains in jail.

The New York Times

"If you make a mistake, you pay immediately," Summitt said of the Huskies.

The New York Times - Sports

Enquirers were told that they must pay immediately, direct into a bank account rather than by credit or debit card.

Independent

With banks paying out a lot more in salaries, employees would get a higher share of their pay immediately.

The New York Times

Final salary schemes disproportionately reward staff who retire on large salaries as they are linked to pay immediately before retirement.

The Guardian - Business

"If we have to pay immediately, or if we can't find a solution, then we face bankruptcy".

The New York Times

She declined to pay immediately, though, hoping to reduce her fines after a visit to the Finance Department office on Joralemon Street.

The New York Times

They pay, immediately on graduation from college, with no special training required, between fifty and sixty thousand dollars a year (and often significantly more in the second year).

The New Yorker

BAE systems has agreed to pay immediately the £29.5m fine handed down to it by the Serious Fraud Office SFOO) in February 2010.

The Guardian

And many find it unfair that they will begin to pay immediately for the new meters through higher rates, when the promised savings could be years away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting payment, using "pay immediately" clearly communicates the expectation for prompt settlement, reducing ambiguity and accelerating the transaction.

Common error

Avoid using "pay immediately" in casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or demanding in informal settings. Opt for alternatives like "pay right away" or "pay now" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay immediately" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb "pay" to specify when the action should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pay immediately" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that demands prompt payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal communications. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use, it's best to reserve it for situations where a clear and direct call for immediate settlement is required. When a softer approach is desired, consider alternatives like "pay right away" or "settle at once".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pay right away

More informal but conveys the same sense of urgency.

Settle at once

Uses different vocabulary to emphasize the immediacy of the payment.

Pay without delay

Emphasizes the lack of any waiting period before payment.

Make instant payment

Focuses on the instantaneous nature of the transaction.

Remit payment now

Uses a more formal verb ("remit") and stresses the current time.

Effect immediate payment

More formal and emphasizes the action of making the payment.

Pay instantaneously

Uses a more technical term to highlight the speed of the payment.

Pay in short order

Suggests a swift and prompt settlement.

Discharge the debt now

Replaces "pay" with "discharge the debt" for a more formal tone.

Clear the balance instantly

Focuses on clearing the outstanding amount with immediate action.

FAQs

How can I use "pay immediately" in a sentence?

You can use "pay immediately" to request prompt payment, such as in invoices or reminders. For example: "Please "pay immediately" to avoid late fees".

What are some alternatives to "pay immediately"?

Alternatives include "settle at once", "pay without delay", or "pay right away", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it more polite to say "pay immediately" or "pay as soon as possible"?

"Pay as soon as possible" is generally considered more polite. "Pay immediately" can sound demanding. However, both phrases convey the need for prompt payment. Consider the recipient and the relationship when choosing which phrase to use.

Can "pay immediately" be used in all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "pay immediately" is best suited for formal or professional contexts. In casual settings, less formal alternatives like "pay now" or "pay right away" might be more appropriate.