Compensating for loss or disadvantage

The idea

Use compensate someone for a loss, or compensate for a disadvantage. The first may involve payment; the second can describe a balancing advantage.

Examples

• The airline compensated passengers for the delay.
• Extra lighting compensates for the small windows.
• The shop compensated us for the damaged table.
• A quiet garden compensates for the busy street.
• The fund will compensate farmers for their losses.
• The team compensated for its lack of space with careful planning.

Watch out

Do not put the loss directly after the verb when using this meaning: say compensate for the delay.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form. The hotel compensated its guests ___ the noise. (for / to)

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   for

   for introduces the loss suffered by the guests.

2. Choose the correct form. The insurer will ___ the owners for the fire. (compensate / compensates)

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   compensate

   compensate follows the modal will in its base form.

3. Choose the correct form. Experience can compensate ___ a lack of formal training. (for / to)

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   for

   for links the advantage to the weakness it offsets.

Use it today

Describe a loss someone might be paid for and a disadvantage that can be offset.