Ever wondered whether to use for sale or for sell when you’re trying to advertise something you want to sell?
For sale is the correct phrase used to indicate that an item is available to be purchased. On the other hand, for sell is not the right way to say it.
This mix-up is a common mistake that confuses many people. In this article, we will help clarify these tricky phrases for you.
For Sale or For Sell: Which is Correct?
When you’re specifying that something is available to be bought, the correct phrase is “for sale,” not “for sell.”
To understand why “for sale” is correct, you must first remember that:
- “Sale” is a noun; it means the event of selling something.
- “Sell” is a verb; it means the action of selling something.
Use of preposition ‘for’ in the context of selling
The preposition “for” is usually used to show purpose or fit. When you pair it with “sale,” it means that an item is meant to be sold.
You shouldn’t use “for sell” because “sell” is an verb, and you need a noun after “for” in this situation. You can think of “for” as showing the reason why something is up for grabs, which is “the sale.”
Examples:
- Correct: “The painting is for sale.”
- Incorrect: “The painting is up for sell.”
For Sale: Meaning and Usage
The term “sale” is a noun and it means a specific type of deal. It’s used to describe any event where items are presented to buyers for a price, often at a lower rate or with certain conditions.
When you say something is “for sale,” it means that the item is ready to be bought. It’s a simple tag that shows that an item is ready to change hands for some cash.
You’ll usually see this phrase in ads or signs to show that something is available for purchase.
For example:
- The antique table is for sale, it is bound to be a unique addition to any room.
For Sell: Is it a Correct Phrase?
The word “sell” is a verb that refers to the process/action of giving something to someone else in exchange for money.
For instance, if you have a lemonade stand, you sell lemonade to those who want to drink it.
The phrase “for sell” is incorrect and should not be used. Instead, you should say “for sale” when you want to express that something is available to purchase.
examples of using “for sale” in a sentence
“The house next door is for sale.“
“They have cakes for sale at the bakery.“
“Is this artwork for sale? “
“Several antique chairs are for sale in the shop.“
“The tickets are for sale until Friday.“
“Those shoes you wanted are finally for sale.“
Other Ways to Say “For Sale”
Whether you’re creating a classified ad, setting up an online listing, or simply trying to sound more original, using varied phrases can catch a buyer’s eye.
Here are a handful of alternative expressions to “for sale” that can add flair to your pitch and make your offer stand out:
On the Market: This term means that the item is officially ready to be bought, kind of like a house waiting for its new owners.
Listed for Sale: This phrase is often used in real estate and online shopping sites. It means that the item is on a list or in stock, just waiting for someone to buy it.
Up for Grabs: This phrase is casual and attention-grabbing. It suggests that the item will go to the first person who shows interest, adding a fun, fast-paced feel to it.
Available for Purchase: This phrase is clear and business-like. It simply says that the item can be bought right away.
