Payed vs. Paid: The Right Way to Write It!

Last updated on September 19, 2024 by Liam Daniel

In this reference, you will explore the main differences between “payed” and “paid.” You will find key definitions, usage examples, tips to remember the difference, sentence examples and practice exercises. The goal is to help you understand and correctly use these terms in the right context.

Payed or Paid: A Simple Explanation

Quick Tips:

“Paid” is the correct past tense and past participle of the verb “pay,” while “payed” is used in very specific and rare cases.

  • Use “paid” in almost all contexts, especially those involving money or compensation.
  • Use “payed” only in rare nautical contexts related to letting out or releasing rope.
Payed vs. Paid
Payed vs. Paid – Created by 7ESL

Payed vs. Paid: Definition, Usage

Paid:

  • Meaning: The standard past tense and past participle of “pay,” meaning to give money in exchange for goods or services, or to settle a debt.
  • Use: Used in almost all contexts involving money or compensation.
  • Examples:
    • “She paid the bill yesterday.”
    • “He has already paid for the tickets.”
  • Explanation: “Paid” is the correct and commonly used form when talking about financial transactions or compensation.

Payed:

  • Meaning: A rare form used in a nautical context, referring to the act of letting out or releasing (as in “payed out the rope”).
  • Use: Primarily used in maritime contexts.
  • Example:
    • “The sailor payed out the rope as the ship sailed away.”
  • Explanation: “Payed” is used only in specialized nautical contexts and should not be used when referring to payment of money.

Tips To Remember The Difference

  • ‘Paid’ is the Standard Past Tense: When you’re referring to the completion of a financial transaction, always use “paid.” This is the standard past tense of “to pay.”
  • ‘Payed’ is for Sailing Terminology: “Payed” is a specialized term used in a nautical context, meaning to let out a rope or cable.

Common Mistakes:

Using “payed” instead of “paid” in financial contexts:

  • Incorrect: “I payed the rent last week.”
  • Correct: “I paid the rent last week.”
  • Explanation: “Paid” is always the correct form for monetary transactions.

Payed vs. Paid Examples in Sentences

Examples of “Payed”

  • The sailor payed out the rope slowly, ensuring it didn’t tangle as it uncoiled.
  • During maintenance, we payed the seams of the wooden deck to make it watertight.
  • After docking, we payed out the lines to secure the boat to the pier.
  • The old ship had been payed thoroughly to prepare it for the long voyage ahead.
  • The shipwright payed the seams with care to ensure the ship was watertight.
  • After anchoring, the sailor payed out the line to give the boat more leeway.
  • Once the repairs were made, they payed the deck with a new layer of tar.

Examples of “Paid”

  • She paid the cashier and took her groceries.
  • The workers were paid on the last day of each month.
  • He paid a lot of money for that rare stamp in his collection.
  • After months of hard work, her efforts finally paid off.
  • They paid tribute to the retiring CEO with a grand farewell party.
  • The tourists paid the guide for his services after the tour concluded.
  • I paid attention to the details to avoid any mistakes.
  • They paid their respects at the memorial service.

Payed vs. Paid: Practice and Exercise

Fill in the Blank – “Payed” vs. “Paid”

Complete the sentences below with the correct word: “payed” or “paid.”

  1. She _______ out the rope slowly as the boat drifted.
  2. He _______ for dinner last night.
  3. The workers have _______ attention to every detail on the project.
  4. I have already _______ the invoice you sent me.
  5. The sailor _______ out more line to stabilize the ship during the storm.
  6. They _______ their respects at the memorial service.

Answers with Explanations:

  1. payed
    • “Payed” is a nautical term meaning to let out a rope or cable, typically used in boating or sailing.
  2. paid
    • “Paid” is the past tense and past participle of “pay,” meaning to give money in exchange for goods or services.
  3. paid
    • “Paid” is the past tense and past participle of “pay,” but it is also used metaphorically to mean giving attention to something.
  4. paid
    • “Paid” is the correct past tense form of “pay,” indicating that the action of settling the invoice has been completed.
  5. payed
    • “Payed” is used here with its nautical meaning, referring to letting out line or rope.
  6. paid
    • “Paid” is used to express the action of giving tribute or respect, a non-monetary sense of the word “pay.”
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