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Prepositions with pay

Of pay or to pay?

To pay is a standard infinitive verb form. Of pay is not a normal English combination except in longer noun phrases.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

To pay is the standard form when pay is a verb: I need to pay the bill. Of pay is generally not idiomatic on its own. You may see of pay in formal noun phrases such as rate of pay.

I forgot to pay the invoice.
Employees asked for a higher rate of pay.
She agreed to pay by Friday.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
to pay + object

Using pay as a verb

Use to pay after another verb or adjective to express obligation, intention, or ability.

We need to pay the fee today.
He promised to pay the rent on time.
2
pay for + thing

Showing what someone buys or covers

Use pay for before the thing or service being paid for.

She paid for the tickets online.
The company paid for lunch.
3
rate of pay

Talking about wages or salary

Use of pay in fixed formal expressions about compensation.

Workers discussed the rate of pay.
The contract states the level of pay.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
to pay
I need to pay the electricity bill.
Infinitive verb form expressing an action.
of pay
The report mentioned the rate of pay.
Appears only inside formal noun phrases.
pay for
They paid for the repairs.
Shows what someone spends money on.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of pay as a general phrase

Of pay is not normally used by itself.

✕ I need of pay the bill ✓ I need to pay the bill

Missing for after pay

Use pay for before the thing bought or covered.

✕ She paid the meal ✓ She paid for the meal

Confusing noun and verb uses

Pay can be a noun meaning salary or a verb meaning give money.

✕ The company increased to pay. ✓ The company increased pay.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I forgot ___ the parking fee.
2. The union discussed the rate ___ pay.
3. She paid ___ the hotel room in advance.

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Frequently asked questions

Is of pay correct?

Only in formal expressions such as rate of pay or level of pay.

When do I use to pay?

Use it as the infinitive verb form after another verb, adjective, or noun phrase.

What is the difference between pay and salary?

Pay is a broad term for money earned, while salary usually means fixed regular earnings.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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