paying myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paying myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing personal finances, self-employment, or compensating oneself for work done. Example: "As a freelancer, I have to be diligent about paying myself regularly to manage my expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I'm still not paying myself.

The New York Times

As 2011 started, I was paying myself at a rate of $70,000 a year.

The New York Times

I did stop paying myself immediately after running the first post.

The New York Times

I decided to take some of the money I was not paying myself and increase my AdWords budget.

The New York Times

I am paying myself a salary of $120,000 a year, and all of the partners are getting paid interest on the money they loaned the company.

The New York Times

They had no problem with my paying myself all of the potential profit in a bonus and letting the company break even or show a small loss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I haven't paid myself since April.

The New York Times

I have paid myself, up to that point, $150,000 in salary.

The New York Times

I could no longer afford to pay myself a salary.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I pay myself very few compliments as a filmmaker," Mr. Payne said.

The New York Times

I had to quickly get him out of the restaurant and pay myself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you're self-employed, clearly define your "paying myself" process with regular intervals and amounts to maintain financial stability and avoid mixing business and personal funds.

Common error

Failing to account for income taxes, self-employment taxes, and other relevant deductions when "paying myself" can lead to significant financial problems later. Always set aside a portion for tax obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paying myself" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. In the examples provided, it describes the action of compensating oneself, particularly in a business context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paying myself" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of compensating oneself, particularly in the context of self-employment or business ownership. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various platforms, including news media and professional blogs. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure you consider the financial and tax implications of your compensation strategy. Alternatives such as "compensating myself" or "drawing a salary" can provide a more formal tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensating myself

This alternative uses a more formal verb to describe the act of paying oneself.

remunerating myself

This phrase employs a more sophisticated term for payment, suitable for formal contexts.

drawing a salary

This refers specifically to taking a regular payment as an employee or business owner.

taking a wage

Similar to drawing a salary, but may imply an hourly or less formal arrangement.

giving myself a paycheck

This phrase is more informal and emphasizes the act of issuing a payment to oneself.

funding my own expenses

This alternative shifts the focus to covering personal costs rather than direct payment.

covering my costs

Focuses on ensuring personal expenses are met, implying self-sufficiency.

defraying my expenses

A formal way of saying covering expenses, often used in professional settings.

earning my keep

This idiom suggests that one is working to justify their existence or position.

profiting from my work

Highlights the gain derived from one's labor, rather than the act of direct compensation.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "paying myself" into my business budget?

Allocate a specific amount for your salary just like any other business expense. This ensures you're compensated fairly for your work and helps in accurately forecasting your business's profitability. Review and adjust this amount periodically based on business performance and personal financial needs.

What are some alternative phrases for "paying myself"?

You can use alternatives like "compensating myself", "drawing a salary", or "taking a wage", depending on the context.

Why is it important to "pay myself" as a business owner?

Paying yourself helps you value your time and effort and separates your personal finances from your business finances. It ensures you are compensated for your labor, much like any other employee, which is crucial for long-term financial planning and stability.

Is there a specific method for "paying myself" from my company?

The method depends on your business structure. You can pay yourself a salary, take an owner's draw, or receive dividends. Each method has different tax implications, so consult with a tax professional to determine the most advantageous approach for your situation.