ask for a discount

Meaning

This phrase means to request a lower price on a product or service. It is commonly used in negotiations, retail shopping, and business-to-business transactions. The tone is polite and practical.

Examples

• Since we are buying in bulk, we should ask for a discount.

  Since we are buying in bulk, we should ask for a discount.

• I always ask for a discount if the item has a small scratch.

  I always ask for a discount if the item has a small scratch.

• Don't be afraid to ask for a discount when dealing with suppliers.

  Don't be afraid to ask for a discount when dealing with suppliers.

• They asked for a discount, but we couldn't lower the price any further.

  They asked for a discount, but we couldn't lower the price any further.

• If you sign a two-year contract, you can ask for a discount on the monthly fee.

  If you sign a two-year contract, you can ask for a discount on the monthly fee.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to ask a discount.

  ✓ I want to ask for a discount.

  The verb 'ask' requires the preposition 'for' when you are requesting an object, favor, or price reduction.

• ✗ We demanded for a discount.

  ✓ We asked for a discount.

  The verb 'demand' does not take the preposition 'for', but 'ask' does. Using 'ask for' is also much more polite in business contexts.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If the product is slightly damaged, you should ___.

  💡 Request a lower price.

  Show answer

  ask for a discount

• We decided to ___ because we ordered over one hundred units.

  💡 Request a price reduction.

  Show answer

  ask for a discount