a bargain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "a bargain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is being offered at a discount price. For example: "This is a great deal – you can buy this laptop for half its original price, it's a real bargain!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This one's a bargain.

Independent

What a bargain.

Britannica

Prices are a bargain.

The New York Times

A Bargain Buyout?

The New York Times

It was a bargain.

The New Yorker

Is this a bargain?

The New York Times

EVERYONE loves a bargain.

The Economist

That's a bargain.

The New York Times

Sound like a bargain?

The New York Times

It's also a bargain.

The New York Times

"It's a bargain".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the positive outcome of a purchase, use "a bargain" to indicate not only a low price but also the high value received. It shows you're getting more than you paid for.

Common error

While "a bargain" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can sound informal. In such cases, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "cost-effective solution" or "economical choice" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bargain" typically functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or object complement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and used to describe something acquired at an advantageous price, making it a worthwhile purchase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bargain" is a common and correct way to describe something offered at an advantageous price. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While generally appropriate across various contexts, it's crucial to consider the level of formality required. In formal settings, alternatives like "cost-effective option" or "economical choice" might be more suitable. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media sources, as well as in academic writing. When aiming to highlight the positive outcome of a purchase, "a bargain" is a great way to demonstrate that you're getting more than you paid for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good deal

Replaces "bargain" with a more general term for a favorable transaction.

a steal

Emphasizes the exceptional value, suggesting it's almost too good to be true.

a great value

Highlights the worth received for the price paid.

a worthwhile purchase

Focuses on the benefit and satisfaction gained from buying something.

a cost-effective option

Emphasizes efficiency and affordability in relation to alternatives.

a budget-friendly choice

Highlights suitability for those with limited spending.

an economical selection

Emphasizes frugality and wise spending.

a smart buy

Focuses on the intelligence and prudence behind the purchase.

a discounted item

Points out the reduced price compared to the standard rate.

a reduced price

Simply notes that the price has been lowered.

FAQs

How can I use "a bargain" in a sentence?

You can use "a bargain" to describe something offered at an advantageous price, like: "This car is "a bargain" at this price!" or "The sale price makes it "a bargain"".

What's the difference between "a bargain" and "a steal"?

"A bargain" implies a good price, while "a steal" suggests an exceptionally good price, almost unbelievably so. "A steal" has a stronger connotation of extreme value.

When is "a bargain" not a good choice of words?

In highly formal or professional contexts, ""a bargain"" might sound too informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "cost-effective option" or "economical choice" instead.

What are some similar phrases to "a bargain" that I can use?

You can use phrases such as "a good deal", "a great value", or "a worthwhile purchase" as alternatives to "a bargain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.