1 B1 neutral
to contribute money to help cover the cost of something
"Each roommate pays towards the electricity bill every month."
inseparable
pay towards
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
to give money as part of the cost of something
In plain English
to pay some money for something, but not all of it
What does "pay towards" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to direct payment in the direction of a cost
Actually means
to pay some money for something, but not all of it
Usage tip
Usually followed by a noun phrase such as 'the rent' or 'the repairs'. It highlights partial payment or contribution.
Words that pair with "pay towards"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rent repairs holiday deposit fees wedding
How to conjugate "pay towards"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pay towards
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pays towards
he/she/it
Past simple
paid towards
yesterday
Past participle
paid towards
have + pp
-ing form
paying towards
continuous
Hear "pay towards" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pay towards" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pay towards"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
chip in for contribute to help pay for partly fund put money toward
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.