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Kl004535 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Pay to do

Hello, Thanks in advance.

If I say I pay you $400 to swim, what does it mean?

Does it mean you do the swimming, or I do the swimming?
  

Top answer

That's hard to answer. It could mean both. " If the above sentence is correct, it could have two different meanings.

— Robsterhews

  • That's hard to answer.
  • It could mean both.
  • " If the above sentence is correct, it could have two different meanings.
  • It could mean I will give you $400 if you swim.
  • It also could mean, I will pay you $400 if you let me swim.
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4 Answers
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That's hard to answer. It could mean both.

I believe your sentence should be "I will pay you $400 to swim."
If the above sentence is correct, it could have two different meanings.

It could mean I will give you $400 if you swim.
It also could mean, I will pay you $400 if you let me swim.

Robert
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I think "I pay you $400 to swim" means I give you the money and you swim.

If it were I who want to swim, I would say "I pay you $400 so that I could swim" or "I pay you $400 for the ticket". Are those sentences correct?
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I agree. It rather sounds like you wanted the other person to swim for you.
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Add the word "will" in front of "pay" and your sentences will be correct.

Robert
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