pay them for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay them for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing compensation or remuneration for services, goods, or work provided by someone. Example: "We need to pay them for the services they rendered during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Chin refused to pay them for protection.

The New Yorker

That is not what they pay them for.

The Economist

I pay them for the use of the name.

The Guardian

But I would pay them for doing what they did.

The New York Times - Magazine

We pay them for their empathetic succour, after all.

The Guardian - Music

Why not kill two birds with one stone and pay them for it?

The New Yorker

Right now, many graduates wish they could get anybody to pay them for anything.

The Economist

"Who just wants to pay them for sex — as if they were whores".

The New Yorker

They claim producers broke the law by failing to pay them for their work.

The Guardian - Film

NHS contracts pay them for their time, regardless of the numbers of patients they treat.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He paid them for it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pay them for", ensure that the reason for payment is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Pay them for their services" is more explicit than simply "Pay them".

Common error

Avoid using "pay them for" without specifying what the payment is for. Vague statements can lead to misunderstandings. Instead of "We will pay them for that", specify "We will pay them for the additional work they completed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay them for" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing compensation or remuneration to someone in exchange for goods, services, or actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pay them for" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating compensation for goods, services, or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It functions as a verb phrase, primarily used to express an obligation or agreement to provide payment in return for something. While generally neutral in register, it is important to specify the reason for payment to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "compensate them for", "reimburse them for" and "remunerate them for", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its frequent usage in news media, wikis, and formal business contexts makes it a valuable phrase to understand and use effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensate them for

This alternative highlights the act of providing something, typically money, in return for loss or suffering.

reimburse them for

This option is specifically used when returning money that has already been spent.

remunerate them for

This is a more formal way to say "pay them for", often used in business or official contexts.

reward them for

This phrase suggests giving something in recognition of merit or service.

give them payment for

A more verbose, yet direct way of expressing payment.

settle accounts with them for

This alternative indicates clearing a debt or obligation related to something.

provide remuneration for their

A formal restructuring, suitable for legal or professional settings.

offer compensation for

This phrase focuses on the act of offering money for damages or services rendered.

make restitution to them for

Used in contexts where amends are being made for a wrong or damage.

finance them for

Suggests providing the necessary funds to support an activity or project.

FAQs

How can I use "pay them for" in a sentence?

You can use "pay them for" to indicate compensation for services, goods, or actions. For example, "We need to pay them for the materials they provided" or "The company will pay them for their overtime work".

What are some alternatives to "pay them for"?

Alternatives include "compensate them for", "reimburse them for", or "remunerate them for", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pay for them" instead of "pay them for"?

While "pay for them" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. "Pay for them" typically means to cover the cost on their behalf, while "pay them for" means to compensate them directly for something they provided.

What is the difference between "pay them for" and "pay them to"?

"Pay them for" implies compensation for something already done or provided. "Pay them to" implies incentivizing them to do something in the future. For example, "We pay them for their services" versus "We pay them to complete the project by Friday".