They may not sound the same, like how “to” and “too” sound the same, but the words “sale” and “sell” can be a great source of confusion for many people. Which word should be used for what purpose?
This grammar tip suggestion came from Dan Rinnert. He says that he is tired of hearing people use “sale” when they really mean to use “sell” (and vice versa). I have to admit that this can be a big pet peeve for me as well, since the difference between the two words could not be clearer.
Sale is a noun. This means that it functions as an object and it is not an “action” word. There are many different ways that you can use “sale” in a sentence. You can say that a product is for sale, an item is on sale, or a store is having a sale. A sale can be defined as the act of selling, which is an object and not a verb. Sales also refer to events when objects are sold at a reduced price, a single instance of selling something, or an indication that an item is available for purchase.
Incorrect: Best Buy will have my favorite game for sell tomorrow.
Correct: Best Buy will have my favorite game for sale tomorrow.
Alternative: Best Buy will start selling my favorite game tomorrow.
Sell is largely used as a verb. To sell something is to exchange that something for money (or something else of value), offering it for purchase. It can also be used in the context of persuasion: “The engine really sells this car to prospective consumers.” To make matters slightly confusing, “sell” can also be used as a noun in a very specific way. You could say, “The new HST will be a hard sell for the BC government.”
Incorrect: I am going to sale my camera on eBay.
Correct: I am going to sell my camera on eBay.
Alternative: I am going to put my camera for sale on eBay.
As I have mentioned several times in the past, it is important to have good grammar, even if writing is not your primary vocation. Good grammar presents you in the best and most professional light possible. Little nagging errors, like confusing sale for sell, can mean the difference between being well respected and being completely ignored.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t understand how these two words could ever be confused with one another. They have such different meanings with one being a noun and the other a verb. They don’t even sound right in a sentence that would the other or vice-versa.
Can’t agree more with you.
I don’t know either, but I see it far too often!
I’ve seen things like: “How do I sale my stuff on Ebay?” and “I have computer gear for sell.”
sale and sell.. look like i know the different between them.. i actually didn’t understand how to choose or use : on , in , at , of
I never through about this difference. The correct word just comes into my brain when I speak. 🙂 If we make reading our habit then we will not get confused in these issues.
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Thanks for the post, and the link!
sell is a perfect verb.. tats a major difference between sell and sale.. hence u can very well use the above words in your sentence without any confusion.
It would be really helpful if you could do a writeup on the correct usage of “would vs will” and “could vs can”.
I have a related question to this. I fully understand and TOTALLY agree about the differences and proper use of sell vs. sale. What about “sales price:” vs. “sale price:”? For instance on a product page, the single item is on sale, the template has “Sales price:”… I feel it should read “Sale price:” Would love you all to weigh in. Thanks. (I realize this is an ancient thread, so hopeful to see a reply)
I’m inclined to agree with you that “sale price” is the preferred term.
A Google search for “sale price” (in quotes) yields 154M results, while a search for “sales price” yields 74M results. That’s not quite definitive, but it does seem to indicate that “sale price” is used twice as often as “sales price.”
Thank you! Now, could you please tell my website developer? I can’t find where to go to correct it and apparently they think it isn’t an important enough request to address. LOL
I appreciate the reply. 🙂
Rummage Sale or Rummage Sell?
Sale.
Rummage Sale
“Sale” should be the right word, yet I would like to know why “Sales” is not correct or should not be used.
In what context?
In what context would you ever use the phrase ‘Sales Price’? Also, if you have multiple items for sale, at different prices, would the correct grammar be ‘Sales Prices’?
You fine people seem to be the best ones to assist me with this since you are certain that this is a hard & fast rule.
My home is for sale & I am eager to sell it. Luckily, I will complete the sale/sell (?) of the home today. Or…I am closing on the sale/sell of my home today.
I’ve actually read Red Panda, Eats Shoots Leaves by Lynn Truss is one of my favs but I’m stumped on this.
Oh and as it relates to sales price vs sale price, doesn’t the price belong to the sale? Otherwise it would be regular price. So why isn’t it the sale’s price?
Are they nouns or verbs? Both are prefaced with the word “the” which should be a clue that they are nouns, thus making “sale” the right word.
“Sale” is working as an adjective in this case, just like we don’t say “the computer’s keyboard,” we say “the computer keyboard.”
Yes, I agree with Antares here. You’re completing the sale of the home. The “sale” here refers to the actual transaction, which is a noun. And as Antares says, it’s “sale price” because “sale” functions as an adjective, not unlike the “front” window or the “car” door.