we will not pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we will not pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are stating a refusal to make a payment, such as in contracts, negotiations, or customer service situations. Example: "After reviewing the terms of the agreement, we have decided that we will not pay for the additional services requested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"We will not pay attention to politics.

The Economist

"We will not pay ransom.

The New York Times

And we will not pay a penny for that.

The Guardian

We will not pay blackmail, and we will not buy the same horse twice.

The New York Times

At some point, someone in the system has to say there are some things we will not pay for.

The New York Times - Health

Later in the same interview he said "And I heard [Mexican President Vicente Fox] said that we will not pay.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Therefore, the only option left is an Argentine style of default, sorry folks we cannot pay and we will not pay-now do your worst.

BBC

Witness the huge government debt that we have incurred, undoubtedly a form of risk-taking that we, for the most part, will not pay for, but our children will.

The New York Times

We do say no to them, but they get angry and tell us that they will not pay… We use sometimes, and sometimes we don't.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

However, we have not, do not and will not pay or authorise the payment of bribes or any other form of unlawful inducement.

The Guardian

They will continue to do so because of the United States government's stability and because it is unthinkable that our government will not pay whatever we owe.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "we will not pay" in a formal context, ensure that the reason for non-payment is clearly and professionally stated to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

While "we will not pay" is grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversation may sound overly formal or aggressive. Consider alternatives like "we're not paying" or "we can't pay" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "we will not pay" is to serve as a declarative statement expressing a firm decision to refuse or deny a payment. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we will not pay" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a firm refusal to make a payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and applicable in various contexts, ranging from formal business communications to news reports. While versatile, consider using softer alternatives like "we are not going to pay" in casual settings to avoid sounding overly assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we refuse to pay

This alternative directly states a refusal, offering a slightly stronger tone.

we are not going to pay

This option uses a more informal and conversational structure, implying a decision already made.

we decline to pay

This alternative is more formal and polite, suitable for professional settings.

payment will not be made

This uses a passive voice, shifting the focus away from the actor and onto the action.

we will withhold payment

This phrase suggests a temporary suspension of payment, rather than a complete refusal.

we have no intention of paying

This emphasizes the lack of intent, highlighting a firm decision.

we are not obligated to pay

This option introduces a legal or contractual aspect, suggesting no requirement to pay.

we are under no obligation to pay

A stronger version of the previous one, more explicitly affirming a lack of commitment.

we won't be paying

A contraction is used to make this more casual and less severe in tone.

we're not paying

An even more colloquial version of the expression. It has an informal and dismissive tone.

FAQs

What does "we will not pay" mean?

The phrase "we will not pay" means that a person, group, or entity is refusing to make a payment. It expresses a firm decision to withhold money or compensation.

When is it appropriate to use "we will not pay"?

It's appropriate to use "we will not pay" in situations where you need to clearly and decisively state that a payment will not be made, such as in contract disputes, negotiations, or policy announcements.

What are some alternative ways to say "we will not pay"?

You can use alternatives like "we refuse to pay", "we decline to pay", or "payment will not be made depending on the formality and context.

Is "we will not pay" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we will not pay" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a subject ("we"), auxiliary verb ("will"), negative particle ("not"), and main verb ("pay").