was properly paid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was properly paid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone received the appropriate payment for their work or services. Example: "After the project was completed, the contractor confirmed that he was properly paid for his services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"If you do a proper job you should be properly paid.

Independent

Mr Tong then began to advise workers who had not been properly paid.

The Economist

Modern law must provide techniques for making sure that the debts left are properly paid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everyone should be honest and everyone should be ensuring that tax is properly paid".

The Guardian - Business

It's probably the only time we are properly paid for our work.

The Guardian - Opinion

After nearly 20 years of neglect, they are being properly paid and have money to maintain equipment.

The Economist

Haslam, 59, told reporters Tuesday that the investigation was related to rebates that customers complained had not been properly paid.

The New York Times - Sports

A good stockbroker will check the list periodically to make sure dividends are being properly paid, especially for important clients.

The New York Times

What's more, once waiters are properly paid, the prospect of a discretional tip acts as a sort of incentivised bonus.

Independent

What new jobs have been created are not the robust, transferable and hard-wrought ones that were properly paid and could be passed down through generations.

The Guardian

She reminded the Commons, correctly, that she spoke up for MPs being properly paid when others were afraid to do so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was properly paid" when you want to emphasize that someone received the correct and agreed-upon amount for their services or work. It implies a sense of fairness and obligation fulfilled.

Common error

Avoid using "was properly paid" when you mean to say someone actively ensured the payment was correct. Instead of "The invoice was properly paid", consider "The accountant properly paid the invoice" to show who performed the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was properly paid" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something received the correct and due payment. As Ludwig AI shows, this emphasizes the state of being paid correctly rather than who made the payment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was properly paid" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that someone received the correct payment for their services or work. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to emphasize that the payment obligation was fulfilled correctly, rather than focusing on who made the payment. It tends to appear in neutral contexts, such as news and media, but also frequently appears in formal business contexts. Though it's grammatically "Correct", the relative infrequency in usage suggests careful consideration of context when employing this phrase, particularly in choosing between active and passive voice to suit the intended focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received fair compensation

Emphasizes the fairness of the payment received.

was duly compensated

Highlights the correctness and appropriateness of the payment.

got paid what was owed

Focuses on the fulfillment of an obligation to pay.

was remunerated adequately

Indicates that the payment was sufficient for the work done.

earned appropriate wages

Stresses that wages earned are justified

was rightfully compensated

Highlights the justice of the payment process.

obtained suitable remuneration

Focuses on the acquirement of payment.

secured just compensation

Emphasizes the attainment of fair payment.

had their dues settled correctly

Highlights the accurate settling of obligations.

realized equitable payment

Highlights equitable payment.

FAQs

What does "was properly paid" mean?

The phrase "was properly paid" means that someone received the correct amount of money for work or services, as agreed upon or required by law.

How can I use "was properly paid" in a sentence?

You can use "was properly paid" to describe a situation where a person or entity received the correct compensation. For example: "After the project, the contractor "was properly paid" for their services."

What are some alternatives to saying "was properly paid"?

Alternatives include "received fair compensation", "was duly compensated", or "got paid what was owed".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when talking about payments?

It depends on the context. Use active voice when you want to emphasize the actor (e.g., "The company properly paid the employee"). Use passive voice ("was properly paid") when the recipient or the fact of the payment is more important than who made the payment.