Sell vs Sale
What’s the difference between them?
Sell
Meaning:
verb; to transfer ownership of a product or service for money or other compensation.
Examples:
1. The store owner is hoping to sell more of the new product.
2. I'm planning to sell my car next week.
3. She's been selling homemade jewelry at the local market.
Sale
Meaning:
noun; the act of exchanging goods or services for money.
Examples:
1. The store is having a huge sale this weekend.
2. I'm looking for a good deal - is there a sale going on right now?
3. She can't wait for the end-of-season sale to stock up on winter clothes.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Sell
1. Offer
2. Put up for sale
3. Market
4. Exchange
5. Retail
1. Buy
2. Hold
3. Retain
4. Keep
5. Donate
Sale
1. Transaction
2. Deal
3. Trade
1. Purchasement
2. Acquirement
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Sell", "Sale".
1. The verb 'sell' is used when something is being exchanged for money.
2. Sale: The noun 'sale' is used to describe a discounted price when something is being purchased.
3. Mnemonic phrase to remember the difference: 'Sell the goods to make a sale.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'Sell' be used?
The word 'Sell' is used when someone is offering goods or services in exchange for money. It is used when a business or individual is offering a product to someone else in exchange for payment.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'Sale'?
The word 'Sale' is used when goods or services have been offered at a reduced price in order to entice customers. It is typically used in a marketing context when a business is promoting a discounted product or service.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, sell is pronounced as /sel/, while sale is pronounced as /seil/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make when using the words 'sell' and 'sale' is using them interchangeably. While they are related, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. Additionally, many people incorrectly pronounce the word 'sale' as 'sail' with a long 'i' sound.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I need to get rid of my old clothes, so Im having a _______ this weekend.
2. This store is offering a 20% _______ on all furniture.
3. Have you ever worked in _______?
4. My dad runs a business that _______s cars.
5. My aunt was a _______s assistant at a boutique.
6. We just opened a new store and are looking for someone to manage the _______ department.
1. Sale
Explanation: A sale is an event where items are sold in order to get rid of them.
2. Sale
Explanation: A sale is an event where items are discounted as a promotional offer, in this case a 20% discount on furniture.
3. Selling
Explanation: Selling is the act of offering goods or services in exchange for payment.
4. Sells
Explanation: Sell is the verb form of the word, meaning to offer items for sale in exchange for payment.
5. Sales
Explanation: Sales is the activity of selling goods or services.
6. Sales
Explanation: The sales department of a store is responsible for promoting, selling, and distributing merchandise.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.