Differences between pay out and shell out
Pay out means to give money as a payment or compensation, while shell out means to spend a significant amount of money on something.
Meanings and Definitions: pay out vs shell out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Pay out
- 1To distribute money, especially as a result of an investment.
It’ll be a few years before our investments start paying out.
- 2To spend or distribute money, especially a large amount.
We’ve paid out thousands of pounds in health insurance over the years.
Shell out
- 1Spend money on something, especially when you think it's too expensive.
I had to SHELL OUT a hundred pounds on the dinner.
Usage Examples: pay out, shell out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
pay out
Example
The company will pay out dividends to its shareholders.
Example
The insurance company pays out claims to its customers.
shell out
Example
I can't believe I had to shell out so much money for that concert ticket.
Example
She shells out a lot of money for her designer clothes.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pay out
To give someone money or something else in exchange for a loss or damage they have suffered.
Example
The insurance company agreed to compensate the family for the damages caused by the flood.
settle up
To pay what is owed or settle a debt.
Example
After dinner, we settled up and split the bill between us.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shell out
Differences in pay out vs shell out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pay out or shell out?
In daily conversation, people use shell out more often than pay out. This is because shell out is used to describe spending money on various things, such as buying a new car or going on vacation. Pay out is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about making payments or compensations. So, while both phrases are used, shell out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pay out and shell out
Pay out and shell out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pay out and shell out
The tone of pay out and shell out can differ based on context. Pay out often carries a more serious or official tone when related to making payments or compensations, while shell out typically has a more casual and sometimes even humorous tone, especially when referring to spending money on something enjoyable.
