Paid attention is the correct form and the past tense of “to pay attention”.
Some examples:
I paid attention to the news.
He paid attention to every detail.
The verb “pay” is frequently used in the English language, but its spelling in the past tense can often confuse even the best grammar hounds. When speaking about transactions, the correct spelling is “paid” whereas when discussing nautical terms, the correct spelling is “payed”.
What does it mean?
When spelled as “paid”, it can be used to refer to both transactions or nautical terms, but “payed” can only be used in the nautical sense.
Nautical terms include phrases such as “payed out” which means to let out slack on a line or “payed away” which is going away from the wind.
The definition of “payed” includes giving slack to a rope or covering with tar, so it doesn’t make sense to use in the context of transactions.
“Paid” on the other hand refers to the exchange of money or goods for services, or suffering a loss as a consequence of an action.
Common Uses
English speakers will commonly find the use of “paid” when discussing transactions, or often in regards to when someone “paid attention”. While you are not actually “paying” someone for their attention (most of the time), it is still common use of the verb, and the subtle distinction is well understood.
Other instances where the verb “pay” is common include, paying your dues, paying with blood, paying for this, or paying your respects. While the phrases are all different, they are still transactional and thus “pay” is the appropriate word choice.
Nitty Gritty Grammar
The Latin root of pay is “pacare”, which means “to pacify”, which aligns with its use in the context of transactions.
As an irregular verb, the past participle will be “paid” in the context of transactions, whereas the present participle would be “paying”.
To help remember the correct spelling, think of “pay” just like the irregular verb “say”. Their past tense conjugation is the same, and most people use “say” enough that it is easier to remember.
Confused?
When in doubt, unless you are in the nautical industry, always go with “paid” as your spelling of choice!
