on sale
/ɒn seɪl/
Meaning
This phrase means that an item is available to buy at a reduced price. In American English, it specifically refers to discounted items, whereas in British English, 'for sale' means available to buy, and 'on sale' can sometimes mean both, though it increasingly refers to discounted items too.
Examples
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I bought this winter coat because it was on sale for half price.
I bought this winter coat because it was on sale for half price.
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Are these shoes on sale, or are they full price?
Are these shoes on sale, or are they full price?
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The department store is putting all summer clothes on sale next week.
The department store is putting all summer clothes on sale next week.
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I never buy video games when they first launch; I wait until they go on sale.
I never buy video games when they first launch; I wait until they go on sale.
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These laptops are on sale today only, so we should hurry.
These laptops are on sale today only, so we should hurry.
Common Mistakes
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✗ This house is on sale for $300,000.
✓ This house is for sale for $300,000.
'For sale' means available to be bought. 'On sale' means available at a discounted, cheaper price.
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✗ I bought this shirt in sale.
✓ I bought this shirt on sale.
The correct preposition to use with 'sale' when referring to a discount on a specific item is 'on', not 'in'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I got these headphones for cheap because they were ___.
💡 Offered at a reduced price
Show answer
on sale
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Wait until the winter coats go ___ before you buy one.
💡 Become discounted
Show answer
on sale