Limited-time offer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Limited-time offer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in marketing to indicate that a promotion or deal is available for a short period only. Example: "Don't miss out on our limited-time offer for 50% off all products this weekend only!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I'm glad you figured in the time and gasoline you used on chasing bargains found on Internet coupon sites ("A Path to Redemption, Limited-Time Offer," June 21).

The New York Times - Tech

The Double Down appeared in KFC's US outlets on April 12 and was supposed to be a limited-time offer ending on May 23.

The Guardian - Business

BENJAMIN TOFF Footnote Disney has announced a limited-time offer of free children's tickets to its Broadway productions of "The Lion King," "Mary Poppins" and "The Little Mermaid".

The New York Times

In the United States, McDonald's Monopoly game promotion and Mighty Wings limited-time offer met internal expectations but failed to substantially lift results because of intense discounting.

The New York Times

"If you put it that way, are you surprised that we have McLobsters?" Steneck was referring to what is more properly called the McDonald's Lobster Roll, a limited-time offer that was plated across New England this summer.

The New Yorker

EACH day at noon for the last few years, Rory Roth-Honigfeld has logged on to Gilt.com to browse the latest limited-time offer deals on clothing, food, yoga classes in Manhattan and wine tastings in the Hamptons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Make a note of limited-time offers.

WikiHow

In some cases, the company may create the incentive (limited time offer, one-time-only offer, limited quantity available, bonuses available now, buy one get one free, free or discounted shipping today, operators are standing by, refer a friend today and get something extra, etc).. Get creative.

WikiHow

MARK PINCUS: So in other words, you join her site, and every day they show you deals that are limited time offers….

TechCrunch

For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding LeEco's US launch, the company hasn't exactly made its products easy to get here in the States, largely relying on what it's deemed "flash sales" – or limited time offers through its own store.

TechCrunch

These new value offers are not necessarily limited time offers, but in a sense, they all may become that way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Limited-time offer" in marketing materials, clearly state the expiration date to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action.

Common error

Avoid pairing "Limited-time offer" with other vague terms. For example, instead of saying "Act fast for a limited-time offer soon", provide specific details and deadlines for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Limited-time offer" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (like 'sale', 'promotion', 'deal'). It highlights the temporal constraint associated with a specific promotion or opportunity, indicating that it is available only for a certain period. Ludwig confirms this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Limited-time offer" is a commonly used marketing term that indicates a promotion is available only for a specific period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and serves to create a sense of urgency. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. To maximize its impact, clearly communicate the expiration date and specific benefits. Alternative phrases include "short-term promotion" or "flash sale". Avoid pairing it with vague language; be precise with details to enhance its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time-sensitive deal

Directly indicates that the deal is only available for a limited period.

Short-term promotion

Emphasizes the promotional aspect and its brief duration.

Flash sale

Focuses on the rapid and short-lived nature of the offer.

One-time offer

Highlights the uniqueness and non-repeatable nature of the deal.

Special offer

Highlights the exclusivity and attractiveness of the deal.

Limited release

Indicates scarcity and restricted availability of a product or service.

Exclusive deal

Highlights the limited availability and special nature of the offer.

Seasonal promotion

Ties the offer to a specific time of the year.

While supplies last

Focuses on the availability of the product and implies urgency.

Act now

A direct call to action implying a limited window of opportunity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Limited-time offer" in marketing?

To maximize impact, clearly state the benefits, timeframe, and call to action. For instance, "Get 20% off all items – "limited-time offer" ends this Friday!"

What are some alternatives to saying "Limited-time offer"?

You can use alternatives such as "short-term promotion", "flash sale", or "time-sensitive deal" to convey a similar sense of urgency.

What makes a "Limited-time offer" effective?

An effective "limited-time offer" combines a compelling discount or benefit with a clear deadline, motivating customers to make a purchase before the offer expires.

Is it better to use "Limited-time offer" or "Exclusive deal"?

The choice depends on the context. "Exclusive deal" emphasizes uniqueness and scarcity, while "Limited-time offer" stresses the urgency and the time-bound nature of the promotion. They can even be used together for maximum impact.