compare prices

Meaning

To 'compare prices' means to look at the cost of the same or similar items in different stores or on different websites before buying. The goal is to find the cheapest option or the best value for money. It is a very common daily-life activity, especially with the rise of e-commerce.

Examples

• I always compare prices on several websites before booking a flight.

  I always compare prices on several websites before booking a flight.

• There are many apps that let you compare prices of groceries in your local area.

  There are many apps that let you compare prices of groceries in your local area.

• Smart shoppers spend a few minutes comparing prices to save money.

  Smart shoppers spend a few minutes comparing prices to save money.

• Don't just buy the first laptop you see; make sure to compare prices first.

  Don't just buy the first laptop you see; make sure to compare prices first.

• She loves to compare prices between online retailers and physical stores.

  She loves to compare prices between online retailers and physical stores.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to compare the prices with different websites.

  ✓ I need to compare prices across different websites.

  We compare prices 'across' websites or 'between' stores, rather than comparing the prices themselves 'with' the websites.

• ✗ He spent an hour to compare prices.

  ✓ He spent an hour comparing prices.

  The structure 'spend time [doing something]' requires the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Before you sign the contract, you should ___ prices with other suppliers.

  💡 Use the base verb.

  Show answer

  compare

• I saved fifty dollars by ___ prices online before going to the mall.

  💡 Use the -ing form of the verb.

  Show answer

  comparing