"have not paid" vs "have not been paid"

Question

"have not paid" vs "have not been paid"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'Have not been paid' is used when referring to someone who has not received payment, while 'have not paid' is used when referring to someone who has not made a payment.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has not made a payment for goods or services received.

Examples:

I have not paid the rent for this month.
They have not paid the invoice yet.
She has not paid for the groceries.
The customers have not paid for their orders.
He has not paid the contractor for the repairs.

Alternatives:

have not made a payment
have not settled the bill

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has not received the money owed to them for work or services rendered.

Examples:

I have not been paid for the work I did last month.
The employees have not been paid their salaries yet.
She has not been paid for the goods she delivered.
The contractors have not been paid for the construction work.
The freelancers have not been paid for their services.

Alternatives:

have not received payment
have not gotten paid

Answer 1

have not paid

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to someone who has not made a payment.

Answer 2

have not been paid

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to someone who has not received payment.

"have not paid" vs "have not been paid"

have not paid

have not been paid

Related Comparisons