How to Explain "Pay," "Spend" and "Cost" [Updated]

Similar to "say" and "tell," there are small but important differences between "pay," "spend" and "cost" that can be difficult for students to catch.

These are essential vocabulary words that all English learners should master, so let's look at some ways we can explain each of them and their unique uses to students.

Pay

Let's begin with "pay," which means “to give money in return for work, goods, services, etc.” The focus is on an action being performed.

Someone pays (for something).

• Please pay the cashier at the front of the store.
• You have to pay a late fee if you miss the deadline.
• Can I pay by credit card?

Neither “spend” nor “cost” can be used in these examples.

Spend

Next, "spend" means “to use up” or “to give money for goods or services.” This is almost the same as the definition for “pay!” 

Point out that we can sometimes use either word without changing a sentence’s meaning, but we'll need to use the correct preposition with whichever we choose.

• I pay about $12 a month for my Netflix subscription.
• I spend about $12 a month on my Netflix subscription.

In other situations, however, we cannot do this. For example, “spend the cashier” or “spend by credit card" would be incorrect.

What makes "spend" unique is its focus on the payment itself. In other words, a sentence with “spend” is about the money being exchanged.

Someone spends (an amount) on something.

• She spent $200 on the jacket.
• The company will spend millions of dollars on research this year.
• How much did you spend at the mall today?

Cost

Finally, “cost” means “to require payment before something can be received or done.” So the focus of a "cost" sentence is on the item or service that must be paid for — not the person performing the action or the amount being paid.

An item or service costs something.

• How much does this shirt cost?
• The premium version costs more than the regular one.
• The muffins didn’t cost a lot, so I bought two.

Again, the other two verbs wouldn't work in these examples.

---

Let's review:

• She paid $20 for the book. (focus: a person's action)
• She spent $20 on the book. (focus: an amount of money)
• The book costs $20. (focus: an item requiring payment)

Noun Forms

Students may not be aware that each of these words can also be used as nouns.

"Pay" as a noun refers to money someone receives as a reward for work.

• Company A offers higher pay than Company B.

The noun form of "spend" isn't common in daily conversations, and instead mostly appears in business contexts. It means "the amount of money spent for a particular purpose." 

• The company increased its advertising spend on social media.

As a noun, "cost" means "the amount of money you have to pay in order to buy or do something."

• You can upgrade to a better seat for no extra cost.

Other Uses

This useful trio of words can also be used in ways not related to money, so let's finish up with some of these alternative uses.

Pay

Alternative meaning: to give (when used with specific words)

• Please pay attention.
• You should pay respect to your seniors.
• He paid the woman a compliment on her dress.

Spend

Alternative meaning: to use (time)

• We spent one month in Germany last year.
• I spent the weekend at home playing video games.

Cost

Alternative meaning: to be lost, to be required (negative nuance)

• That mistake will cost us a lot of extra work.
• All of those overtime hours are costing him his health.

Wrap-up

Once students know the focus of their sentence, choosing between "pay," "spend" and "cost" will be much easier for them. Armed with the knowledge presented here, they will be better prepared to talk about their shopping experiences and much more.

For more articles on explaining differences, we recommend the following:

• "Could you" and "Would you"
• "Look," "See" and "Watch"
• "For" and "Since"