Grammar fix
fork out
pay (money) reluctantly
to pay money for something, especially when you do not want to or feel it is too expensive
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I had to fork out nearly £200 to get my phone repaired.money
- Honestly, I don't like forking out for gym memberships, but I know it's important for my health.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: fork out (for something) | fork out something (for something)
WrongI forked out 200 pounds the new tyres.
RightI forked out 200 quid for new tyres. / forked out on new tyres.
Use 'fork out FOR' / 'fork out ON' something.
Patternfork out (for something) | fork out something (for something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Fork out' carries the grudging, it-hurt feeling; 'obliged to pay a considerable sum' is an invoice.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
fork out (for/on)for repairsa fortuneon ticketsloads
Don't confuse it
'Fork out' is different from the neutral 'pay' because it always suggests you are unhappy about the cost. Do not use it in formal contexts.