were paid with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were paid with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the method or means by which someone received payment or compensation for goods or services. Example: "The workers were paid with cash for their labor on the construction site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The radio programmers were paid with hookers and coke, and I hated that.

The Guardian - Music

Then, as now, many of the operatives who were paid with Saudi money were Salafis.

The New Yorker

At his trial, prosecutors presented evidence that many of his living expenses were paid with cash, rather than his salary.

The New York Times

Guards who were paid with government money, he said, made sure he arrived at his front door.

The New York Times

The subcontractors were paid with company checks, which they converted to cash they returned to the Scalamandres.

The New York Times

The Nektalovs were paid with bags of cash that they were told came from drugs, the indictment states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

(He was paid with books).

The New Yorker

They are being paid with taxpayer money.

The New Yorker

Equipment and team expenses are paid with donations from communities.

The New York Times

Thanks to Bill Clinton, others were being paid with federal funds.

The New York Times

The bonuses could be paid with the bounty of fines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were paid with" when the payment isn't necessarily monetary, such as "The teachers in his boarding-house there were paid with IOUs."

Common error

Avoid using "were paid with" without specifying what the payment consisted of. The phrase requires an object to clarify the method of compensation. For example, instead of saying "The workers were paid with", specify "The workers were paid with checks and bonuses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were paid with" functions as a passive construction specifying the means by which someone or something received payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase highlights the instrument or medium through which compensation was provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were paid with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to specify the means of payment or compensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, but primarily in news media. When using "were paid with", ensure that you clearly state what the payment consisted of to avoid ambiguity. Remember, the phrase specifies the 'what' in the transaction, not the 'who'. While variations like "were compensated with" or "were remunerated with" exist, selecting the right term depends on the formality and specific nuances of the situation. Understanding these aspects will help you employ the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were compensated with

Focuses on the act of compensating, suggesting a more formal agreement or exchange.

were remunerated with

Implies a formal or official payment, often for services rendered.

received as payment

Highlights the act of receiving something specifically as a form of payment.

were given in exchange for

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the transaction, highlighting what was given up to receive the payment.

were granted as compensation

Suggests that the payment was given as a form of amends or to make up for something.

were provided with

Indicates a provision of something, suggesting a less direct or formal payment.

were issued in lieu of cash

Specifies that payment was made with something other than money.

were settled with

Suggests a final resolution or agreement regarding payment.

were credited with

Implies that the payment was recorded as a credit or balance.

were endowed with

Suggests a gift or investment, implying a longer-term benefit or value.

FAQs

What does "were paid with" mean?

The phrase "were paid with" indicates that a payment or compensation was provided in a specific form, which could be money, goods, services, or other items of value. For example, "The workers "were paid with cash"" means they received cash as their wages.

How can I use "were paid with" in a sentence?

Use "were paid with" to specify the means of payment. For instance, you might say, "The consultants "were paid with stock options"" or "The debt "was paid with gold"."

What are some alternatives to "were paid with"?

Alternatives to "were paid with" include phrases like "were compensated with", "were remunerated with", or "received as payment". The choice depends on the formality and context of the situation.

Is it correct to say "were paid by" instead of "were paid with"?

The phrases "were paid by" and "were paid with" have different meanings. "Were paid by" indicates who made the payment (e.g., "They were paid by the company"), while "were paid with" specifies the method or means of payment (e.g., "They "were paid with a check"").