really paid for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really paid for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the extent to which something has been purchased or to express disbelief about the cost of something. Example: "I can't believe you bought that car; it looks like you really paid for it!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"But who's to say what the dealer really paid for a car?" he added.

The New York Times - Tech

But my heart gradually chilled as I realized what I had really paid for -- a two-hour set of golden oldies, accompanied by flaccid pyrotechnics.

The New York Times - Arts

But the National Automobile Dealers Association figures that the average price that customers really paid for new automobiles, including rebates, jumped 4.2percentt in 1998 and 3.6percentt last year, to $24,450.

The New York Times

"Your mom really paid for you to get into college and get someone to do your sat when there's people out there that work so hard to get into college you are an embarrassment," one commenter said.

The New York Times - Style

"I've been very lucky in my timing in that I was at university when the state really paid for you, then I was at the BBC during the Lime Grove golden age, and then I got in at the tail end of old Fleet Street when great figures such as Anthony Howard and Alan Watkins still wrote in fountain pen".

The Guardian

Here the reader may learn, among many other historical tidbits, what the Dutch really paid for Manhattan (it wasn't $24), or the key role that Flushing played in securing freedom of conscience, or why the Knicks wear blue-and-orange uniforms, or how Yonkers, the Hutchinson River and Saw Mill River Parkways, Greenwich Village and Staten Island got their names.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Who Is Really Paying for Adele?

The New Yorker

They don't really pay for too many drinks".

The New York Times

How much are we really paying for them?

The New York Times

"But during the bust, you really pay for it".

The New York Times

But who will really pay for this order?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really paid for" to express surprise or disbelief about the amount spent, adding emphasis beyond a simple statement of payment. For example, "I can't believe how much the repairs cost; I "really paid for" them!"

Common error

Avoid using "really paid for" when a simple statement of payment suffices. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really paid for" functions as a verb phrase used to emphasize the action of paying for something, often with an implication of surprise or excessiveness. It highlights the extent or impact of the payment made, adding emotional weight to the statement. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really paid for" serves to add emphasis to the act of paying for something. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase often carries an emotional weight, expressing surprise or highlighting the significant cost involved. While its usage is acceptable, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain its impact and ensure natural-sounding writing. Alternatives like "actually paid for" or "completely funded" can be considered for variety, as long as they fit the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually paid for

Emphasizes the factual aspect of payment, differing slightly in tone from an expression of disbelief.

genuinely paid for

Highlights the authenticity and legitimacy of the payment.

truly paid for

Similar to 'actually paid for', but with a stronger emphasis on sincerity.

completely funded

Focuses on the total financial coverage rather than the act of paying itself.

fully financed

Like 'completely funded', this emphasizes the financial aspect of the action.

defrayed the cost of

More formal and focuses on covering expenses, altering the focus from a simple payment.

settled the bill for

Shifts the focus to the act of clearing a debt or invoice.

covered the expenses for

Similar to 'defrayed the cost of', emphasizing the coverage of outlays.

borne the expense of

Highlights the responsibility of carrying the financial burden.

underwrote the cost of

Implies a more formal and substantial financial commitment.

FAQs

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

You can use "really paid for" to emphasize the amount spent on something, often expressing surprise or disbelief. For instance, "I "really paid for" that vacation, but it was worth every penny."

What's a good alternative to "really paid for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "really paid for" include "actually paid for", "genuinely paid for", or "completely funded".

Is it grammatically correct to say "really paid for"?

Yes, "really paid for" is grammatically correct and commonly used to add emphasis. However, ensure that the context warrants the added emphasis.

When should I avoid using "really paid for"?

Avoid using "really paid for" when the context doesn't require emphasis on the cost or when a simpler phrase like "actually paid for" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound awkward.