they pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they pay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial transactions or obligations involving a group of people or entities. Example: "In this agreement, they pay the fees upfront before the services are rendered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did they pay par?

The New Yorker

They pay their fees.

The New York Times - Sports

They pay for it".

The New York Times

They pay the rent".

The New York Times

"But they pay it".

The New Yorker

Then they pay.

The New York Times - Food

They pay you! Brilliant!

The New Yorker

They pay their bills.

The New York Times

They pay cash.

The New York Times

They pay attention".

The New York Times

They pay their taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they pay", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they pay" when the subject is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the "they" has a clear and identifiable antecedent in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they pay" functions as a verb phrase, where "they" is a pronoun acting as the subject, and "pay" is the main verb. It expresses the action of providing money or compensation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they pay" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote financial transactions or obligations undertaken by a group. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread applicability, appearing in a variety of contexts from news reports to business discussions. While versatile, clarity in pronoun reference is crucial. For alternatives, "they compensate" or "they settle" can offer nuanced meanings. Remember to ensure "they" has a clear referent to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they settle

Focuses on the act of resolving a debt or financial obligation.

they compensate

Implies providing something, often money, as recompense for loss, injury, or suffering.

they remunerate

Suggests a formal payment for services rendered or work done.

they reimburse

Indicates repaying someone for expenses they have incurred.

they give payment

A more descriptive way to express the act of providing funds.

they disburse funds

Emphasizes the formal distribution of money, often from an organization.

they make remittances

Highlights the act of sending money, often to another country.

they provide consideration

Legal term for something of value exchanged in a contract.

they honor financial commitments

Stresses the fulfillment of agreed-upon monetary obligations.

they cover the costs

Implies taking responsibility for expenses incurred.

FAQs

How can I use "they pay" in a sentence?

Use "they pay" to indicate that a group or entity is providing funds or compensation. For example, "they pay their taxes" or "they pay for the service".

What are some alternatives to "they pay"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "they compensate", "they reimburse", or "they settle".

Is it grammatically correct to say "they pay"?

Yes, "they pay" is grammatically correct when "they" refers to a plural subject or a singular subject with a non-binary gender identity, and the verb is in the present tense.

What's the difference between "they pay" and "they are paying"?

"They pay" indicates a general or habitual action, while "they are paying" implies an action happening at the moment of speaking or within a specific timeframe. The phrase "they are paying" can be rephrased as /s/they+repay.