“For sale” and “on sale” are common phrases in English, especially in shopping, advertising, and everyday conversation. While “for sale” means an item is available to buy, “on sale” means the item is being offered at a lower price. Knowing the difference helps you use the right phrase when talking about products, prices, and promotions. This article explains both terms with clear definitions, examples, and usage tips.
What Does “For Sale” Mean?
The phrase “for sale” indicates that an item is available to be purchased. It simply means that the item is being offered to buyers, without implying any discount or special pricing. This term is often used in advertisements, listings, and signs to show that something is on the market.
Examples:
- The house on the corner is for sale.
- I saw a vintage guitar for sale online.
- Are these paintings for sale?
What Does “On Sale” Mean?
The phrase “on sale” means that an item is being sold at a reduced price, typically for a limited time. It suggests that the item is part of a promotion or discount event. This term is commonly used in retail settings to attract customers looking for bargains.
Examples:
- These shoes are on sale for 30% off.
- All electronics are on sale this weekend.
- Is this jacket on sale, or is that the regular price?
Difference Between “For Sale” and “On Sale”
The phrases “for sale” and “on sale” both relate to buying something, but they are used differently and mean different things:
-
“For sale” means that an item is available to be purchased. It simply shows that something is being offered to buyers. It does not say anything about the price—regular or discounted.
-
“On sale” means that an item is available at a lower price than usual. It is used when something is being discounted or offered at a special price, often for a limited time.
| Phrase | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| For Sale | Available to buy | This car is for sale. |
| On Sale | Discounted price | This car is on sale for $5,000 off. |
Quiz: For Sale vs. On Sale
1. That house has been ___ for over six months but no one has bought it yet.
a) for sale
b) on sale
2. All laptops are ___ this weekend only—get yours now!
a) for sale
b) on sale
3. I saw a beautiful vintage dress ___ in a boutique window.
a) for sale
b) on sale
4. These sneakers are normally $100, but today they’re ___ for just $70.
a) for sale
b) on sale
5. The car is ___, but it’s not discounted—it’s the regular price.
a) for sale
b) on sale
6. Everything in this aisle is ___, so it’s a great time to shop.
a) for sale
b) on sale
7. She listed her old bike ___ on Facebook Marketplace.
a) for sale
b) on sale
8. Is this jacket ___, or is it part of the clearance section?
a) for sale
b) on sale
9. During the holiday season, many items go ___ to attract customers.
a) for sale
b) on sale
10. I put my guitar ___ last week, but no one has contacted me yet.
a) for sale
b) on sale
Quiz Answers
1) for sale
2) on sale
3) for sale
4) on sale
5) for sale
6) on sale
7) for sale
8) on sale
9) on sale
10) for sale
