pay for

Inseparable

The verb and particle never split. The object always follows the whole phrase.

How to say it

Stress the particle, not the verb: pay FOR. Saying “PAY for” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.

No pause between the words. /eɪ/ runs straight into /f/ — “pay for” is one rhythmic unit with a single stressed beat on the particle.

2 meanings

1
To give money in exchange for something.
- “Who's paying for dinner?”
Similar: purchase
2
To suffer the consequences of something.
- “He paid for that decision for years afterwards.”
Similar: suffer for

The particle logic

for

A target, a purpose, or a substitution.

Listen + practice

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More PAY phrasal verbs

Compare the whole family →

pay off

To clear a debt completely.

pay back

To return money you borrowed.

pay up

To pay money you owe, reluctantly or under pressure.

pay for — meaning, examples & how to say it