What does the phrasal verb “pay for” mean?

What are the definitions of “pay for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Purchase.

  I PAID twenty pounds FOR the book.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pay for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pay for is to give money in exchange for a product or service. It means to purchase something.

What are the different verb forms of “pay for”?

Root Verb	pay for
Third Person Singular Present	pays for
Present Participle	paying for
Simple Past	paid for
Past Participle	paid for

Example

I always pay for my groceries with cash.

Example

She pays for her gym membership every month.

Example

He is paying for his meal at the restaurant.

Example

Yesterday, they paid for their new car.

Example

The concert tickets have been paid for already.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pay for”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“pay for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She paid for her coffee.

Example

He paid the bill for the dinner.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“pay for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She paid for her coffee.

Example

He paid the bill for the dinner.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pay for”?

Pay for someone's meal

To cover the cost of someone else's food or drink.

Example

He offered to pay for her meal as a kind gesture.

Pay for a mistake

To suffer the consequences of a mistake or error.

Example

She had to pay for her mistake by redoing the entire project.

Pay for itself

An investment that eventually recovers its initial cost through savings or profits.

Example

The solar panels will pay for themselves in a few years through energy savings.

Good things to know

Does “pay for” have an informal or formal tone?

Pay for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business transactions or legal documents.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pay for”?

Synonyms

• purchase
• buy
• acquire
• obtain
• invest in
• procure

Antonyms

• sell
• return
• refund
• exchange
• donate
• give away