A1verb high_frequency_chunk

Pay

🇬🇧 UK /["/peɪ/","/peɪz/","/peɪd/","/ˈpeɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/peɪ/","/peɪz/","/peɪd/","/ˈpeɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Pay

to give somebody money for work, goods, services, etc.

In simple words: To give money for something.

Pay in a sentence

• I need to pay for my groceries.
• Can you pay the bill when we go out to dinner?
• He always pays his debts on time.
• You can pay with cash or credit card.
• They pay attention to the teacher in class.
• If you pay close attention, you will understand better.

How to use Pay

Use 'pay' when giving money in a transaction. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, such as paying bills, friends, or in shops. Avoid using it in very casual contexts where alternatives like 'chip in' might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

pay + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'pay day' — imagine receiving money on payday and needing to pay bills.

Related words

Collocations with Pay

• handsomely
• well
• dearly
• have to
• must
• be able to
• for
• to
• ability to pay
• handsomely
• well
• dearly
• have to
• must
• be able to
• for
• to
• ability to pay

Synonyms for Pay

• remunerate
• compensate
• settle
• reimburse
• disburse

Opposites of Pay

• receive
• collect

Common mistakes with Pay

• 'Pay at' vs 'pay for' confusion: Using 'pay at' incorrectly when referring to the cost of an item.
• Using 'payed' instead of 'paid': The past tense is 'paid', not 'payed'.
• Incorrect preposition: Saying 'pay to' when you should say 'pay for'.

Frequently asked questions about Pay

What does Pay mean?

To give money for something.

What is the definition of Pay?

to give somebody money for work, goods, services, etc.

How do you use Pay in a sentence?

I need to pay for my groceries.

Can you give another example of Pay?

Can you pay the bill when we go out to dinner?

What are synonyms for Pay?

Common alternatives include remunerate, compensate, settle, reimburse, disburse.

What is the opposite of Pay?

Opposite meanings include receive, collect.

What words go with Pay?

It commonly pairs with handsomely, well, dearly, have to, must, be able to, for, to, ability to pay, handsomely, well, dearly, have to, must, be able to, for, to, ability to pay.

What are common mistakes when using Pay?

'Pay at' vs 'pay for' confusion: Using 'pay at' incorrectly when referring to the cost of an item. Using 'payed' instead of 'paid': The past tense is 'paid', not 'payed'. Incorrect preposition: Saying 'pay to' when you should say 'pay for'.

How do you pronounce Pay?

US: /["/peɪ/","/peɪz/","/peɪd/","/ˈpeɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/peɪ/","/peɪz/","/peɪd/","/ˈpeɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Pay?

Use 'pay' when giving money in a transaction. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, such as paying bills, friends, or in shops. Avoid using it in very casual contexts where alternatives like 'chip in' might be more suitable.

What CEFR level is Pay?

"Pay" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.