an offer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an offer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a proposal or suggestion made to someone, typically in a business or formal context. Example: "The company presented an offer to the candidate that included a competitive salary and benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He made an offer.

The New Yorker

That's not an offer".

The New York Times

"I haven't had an offer.

Independent

Who makes such an offer?

The New York Times

No one made an offer.

The New York Times

They never made an offer.

The New York Times

So make an offer.

The New York Times

I had an offer.

The New York Times - Arts

Make me an offer?

The Guardian

Knopf made an offer.

The New York Times - Books

Just an offer letter.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing business emails or formal letters, consider using synonyms like "proposal" or "proposition" for "an offer" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "an offer" in situations where a firm commitment is needed. Instead, use terms like "guarantee" or "promise" to convey a stronger sense of obligation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an offer" is that of a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It signifies a proposition presented for acceptance or rejection, as shown in numerous Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an offer" functions as a noun phrase used to present a proposition or suggestion, commonly found in news, business, and wiki contexts. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically sound and broadly applicable. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "proposal" or "suggestion". Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the offer's strength aligns with the intended commitment level. Pay attention to starting sentences with the indefinite article "an" for words starting with a vowel sound. Based on the analysis, mastering the use of "an offer" enhances clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a proposal

Replaces "offer" with a more formal term, emphasizing a detailed plan or suggestion.

a proposition

Similar to "offer", but often implies something more significant or potentially risky.

a suggestion

A milder form of "offer", implying a less formal recommendation.

a bid

Specifically refers to an offer in a competitive situation, such as an auction or negotiation.

a submission

Implies presenting something for consideration or acceptance.

a presentation

Highlights the act of formally presenting an offer or idea.

a guarantee

An offer that assures a certain outcome or quality.

a recommendation

Suggests offering advice or a course of action.

a settlement

An offer designed to resolve a dispute or reach an agreement.

a handout

Suggests offering something for free

FAQs

How to use "an offer" in a sentence?

You can use "an offer" when presenting a proposal, suggestion, or bid. For instance, "The company extended "an offer" to purchase the rival company's assets".

What can I say instead of "an offer"?

You can use alternatives like "a proposal", "a proposition", or "a suggestion" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an offer" or "a offer"?

"An offer" is correct. "Offer" starts with a vowel sound, thus requiring the indefinite article "an".

What's the difference between "an offer" and "a suggestion"?

"An offer" typically implies a more concrete proposition, often with specific terms, while "a suggestion" is a more informal recommendation.