started to pay off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to pay off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the positive results or benefits that have begun to emerge from an effort or investment. Example: "After months of hard work and dedication, her efforts finally started to pay off when she received the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the persistence started to pay off in early December.

The New York Times - Sports

His investments started to pay off and his coffers filled up.

The Economist

Up: Ryan Callahan – The relentlessness has finally started to pay off for the Rangers' captain.

The New York Times

Gradually, his work started to pay off as his recruits started to put a freeze on Vermont's losing ways.

The New York Times - Sports

Heavy investment has started to pay off, he said, and problems involving large, expensive projects in Russia have abated.

The New York Times

Citigroup's wager that international lending will offset a sluggish recovery in the United States started to pay off Monday when the bank reported third-quarter earnings.

The New York Times

Years of investment in new technology including high definition and personal video recorders, have started to pay off, which made it such a compelling prospect for News Corp.

The Guardian

In recent years, the investments have started to pay off, and Schibsted is now the biggest player on the Internet in Norway and neighboring Sweden.

The New York Times

The new design push, which began about two years ago, started to pay off handsomely this year, and was largely responsible for the gains in Japan.

The New York Times

Improvements in corporate-tax collection and belt-tightening steps have started to pay off, with Brazil surpassing most budget goals agreed to with the International Monetary Fund.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At last Semgroup's stubborn bets have started to pay off--for someone else.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to pay off" when you want to emphasize the initial stages of positive results after a period of effort or investment. This highlights the turning point where progress becomes noticeable.

Common error

Avoid using "started to pay off" when describing complete or guaranteed success. The phrase implies that the benefits are just beginning to emerge, not that the outcome is fully realized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to pay off" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of positive outcomes or returns on investment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It highlights the initial stages of success after a period of effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started to pay off" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the initial positive outcomes of an endeavor. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to business and even science. Its primary function is to communicate that efforts or investments are beginning to yield beneficial results. The most frequent contexts for this phrase are in news and media sources. It is advisable to use this phrase to emphasize the commencement of positive outcomes and avoid overstating complete success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to yield results

Focuses on the outcome as a direct consequence of effort, rather than a return on investment.

began to bear fruit

Emphasizes the natural development of positive outcomes over time.

began to show promise

Highlights the potential for future success that is becoming apparent.

began to be profitable

Specifically refers to financial gains starting to materialize.

started to generate returns

Focuses on the measurable financial gains derived from an initial investment.

began to give dividends

Implies tangible benefits being received after a period of investment or effort.

began to deliver benefits

Highlights the provision of advantages or improvements as an outcome.

began to produce advantages

Similar to delivering benefits, but emphasizes the creation of favorable conditions.

began to offer advantages

Stresses the availability of new and desirable possibilities.

started to become beneficial

Emphasizes the development of advantageous qualities or effects.

FAQs

How can I use "started to pay off" in a sentence?

Use "started to pay off" to indicate that initial efforts or investments are beginning to show positive results. For example: "After months of training, his hard work "started to pay off" with improved race times."

What are some alternatives to "started to pay off"?

Alternatives include "began to yield results", "began to bear fruit", or "began to show promise" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "started to pay off" in formal writing?

Yes, "started to pay off" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly used in business, news, and academic contexts to describe emerging benefits or returns on investment. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is indeed correct and usable.

What's the difference between "started to pay off" and "paid off"?

"Started to pay off" indicates the beginning of positive results, while "paid off" implies that the efforts or investments have fully achieved the desired outcome. "Started to pay off" suggests the process is still ongoing, while "paid off" suggests it's complete.