ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sale

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈseɪɫ// UK //sˈeɪl// sale Archaic General-service

n. a time when a shop sells things for less money than usual. It can also mean the act of selling something to a buyer.

n. the exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something. Also refers to a period during which a retailer offers goods at reduced prices.


SIMPLE

I bought this jacket for half price in the winter sale.

CONTEXTUAL

The real estate agent confirmed that the sale of the house would be finalized by Friday afternoon.

COMPLEX

While the summer sale drove a significant increase in foot traffic, the profit margins remained slim due to the aggressive discounting required to clear the old inventory.

Origin

From Old English sealh (“willow tree”).

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific event or transaction; uncountable when referring to the general activity of selling.

Pitfall

The shoes are in sale.The shoes are on sale.When something is being sold at a lower price, use the preposition 'on' rather than 'in'.

Idioms1 entry

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