"pay for" vs "pay to"

Question

"pay for" vs "pay to"

Both 'pay to' and 'pay for' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Pay to' is used when referring to the recipient of the payment, while 'pay for' is used when referring to the item or service being paid for.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

Use 'pay for' when indicating the specific item, service, or purpose for which the payment is being made. For example, 'I will pay for the groceries.'

Examples:

I will pay for the meal.
She paid for the concert tickets.
Who will pay for the repairs?
He always pays for his own expenses.
The company will pay for the training.

Alternatives:

cover the cost of
settle the bill for
foot the bill for
take care of the payment for
finance

Use 'pay to' when indicating the person or entity receiving the payment. For example, 'Please pay to the order of John Smith.'

Examples:

Please pay to the order of XYZ Corporation.
The check should be made payable to Jane Doe.
Pay to the bearer on demand.
The payment should be made to the landlord.
The funds will be paid to the charity.

Alternatives:

make payable to
payable to
payable to the order of
pay to the order of
payable to the bearer

Answer 1

pay for

This phrase is correct when referring to the item or service being paid for.

Answer 2

pay to

This phrase is correct when referring to the recipient of the payment.

"pay for" vs "pay to"

pay for

pay to

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