paying each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paying each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where two parties are exchanging payments or compensating one another for services or goods. Example: "In our agreement, we will be paying each other for the services rendered throughout the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In future, Tippett hopes to see people on the site paying each other to cover stories.

The Guardian - Tech

Since these patents are spread across lots of companies, cross-licensing agreements are common, and the firms end up paying each other lots of fees.

The Economist

IT failings over the introduction of new welfare payments; the never-ending saga of BBC executives paying each other silly money; defence procurements coming in billions of pounds over budget; the recklessness of the bankers?

The Guardian - Opinion

If they were, then people who knew each other might try cheat the system by paying each other's bills through an organization like Modest Needs and then deducting the contributions.

The New York Times

Millenials are habitually paying each other or making purchases with such apps.

Forbes

Users also have the option of paying each other directly through the site.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

DANIEL KAMMEN: We paid each other [INAUDIBLE].

Cornell University

This time though, the foes paid each other no heed.

The Guardian

We looked after one another; we paid each other's debts; blacks and Asians worked together.

The Guardian

Everyone here is just sick of what happened, what executives paid each other'.

The Guardian

At Winterfell, Arya and Brienne pay each other some respect, with sparring and weapons admiration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs like "compensate", "reimburse", or "remit" if the nature of the payment requires more precision. For example, instead of "They are paying each other", try "They are reimbursing each other for travel expenses".

Common error

Avoid using "paying each other" in contexts where the direction of payment is unclear or could be misinterpreted. Always provide sufficient context to avoid confusion about who is the payer and who is the payee.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paying each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual exchange of money or value between two or more entities. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase describes transactions between companies, individuals, and even devices in the context of IoT.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "paying each other" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe reciprocal financial transactions. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general use. While effective, consider alternatives like "compensating each other" or "reimbursing each other" for increased formality or precision. Ensure clarity in usage by specifying the direction and purpose of the payments to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensating each other

Replaces "paying" with a more formal term, emphasizing the act of providing recompense.

exchanging payments

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the financial transaction.

reimbursing each other

Focuses on repaying someone for expenses incurred.

remitting payments reciprocally

More formal, highlights the mutual sending of money.

settling accounts

Highlights the act of balancing financial obligations.

clearing debts mutually

Focuses on the resolution of financial obligations.

transferring funds

Describes the movement of money without specifying the reason.

honoring financial obligations

Highlights the fulfillment of responsibilities related to paying.

reciprocating financially

Focuses on the act of giving back in monetary terms.

offsetting balances

Describes the act of reducing or eliminating a debt by applying a credit.

FAQs

How can I use "paying each other" in a sentence?

You can use "paying each other" to describe a reciprocal financial transaction, such as "The companies are "paying each other" for services rendered" or "They are "paying each other" back for shared expenses".

What are some alternatives to "paying each other"?

Alternatives include "compensating each other", "reimbursing each other", or "settling accounts", depending on the specific context.

Is "paying each other" formal or informal?

"Paying each other" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "compensating each other" might be preferred in professional settings.

What's the difference between "paying each other" and "paying one another"?

There is virtually no difference in meaning between "paying each other" and "paying one another". Both phrases indicate a reciprocal payment between two or more parties. "Each other" is typically used for two parties, while "one another" can be used for more than two, but this distinction is often blurred in modern usage.