at a discount

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a discount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you're referring to a lower priced item or service. For example, "The store was having a special sale, so I was able to buy my new shoes at a discount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The oil is sold at a discount.

The Economist

Rooms are offered at a discount.

The New York Times

But they're often sold at a discount.

The New York Times

Ride on the roof at a discount?

The New York Times - Magazine

Buy it at a discount from BOL.

The Guardian - Books

Buy it at a discount at BOL.

The Guardian - Books

Weight Watchers membership is offered at a discount.

The Economist

The nonvoting shares have typically traded at a discount.

The New York Times

But elderly riders buy MetroCards at a discount.

The New York Times

Chains that sell designer brands at a discount rose.

The New York Times

82 per cent Ratio of tickets bought at a discount.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sale or promotion, specify the percentage or amount of the "at a discount" to add clarity and attract more attention (e.g., "Get up to 50% at a discount").

Common error

Avoid using "at a discount" without specifying what the discount applies to. For instance, instead of saying "Membership is available at a discount", clarify with "Membership is available at a discount for students."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a discount" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or noun to indicate that something is being offered or obtained for less than its usual price. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a discount" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is being offered at a reduced price. Ludwig AI analysis shows frequent usage in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying the discount's details. Consider synonyms like "on sale" or "at a reduced price" for stylistic variation. Remember, effective communication involves precision and tailoring your language to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a reduced price

Emphasizes the lower price point.

at a lower cost

Simply indicates reduced expense.

on sale

Focuses on a temporary price reduction event.

with a markdown

Describes a reduction in the original price.

at a bargain price

Highlights the advantageous price for the buyer.

at a special offer

Suggests a promotional pricing strategy.

at clearance prices

Suggests items are being sold to clear stock.

at a promotional rate

Implies temporary price reduction for marketing purposes.

below market value

Emphasizes that the price is less than the typical market price.

for cheap

Informal way to say something is inexpensive.

FAQs

How do I use "at a discount" in a sentence?

You can use "at a discount" to describe something being sold or offered at a reduced price. For instance, "Students can purchase software "at a discount"".

What's a more formal way to say "at a discount"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "at a reduced price" or "available with a markdown". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it always beneficial to buy something "at a discount"?

While buying "at a discount" usually saves money, consider factors like the item's quality, warranty, and your actual need for it. A deeply discounted item might not always be the best value if it's of poor quality or doesn't meet your requirements.

What's the difference between "at a discount" and "on sale"?

"At a discount" generally indicates a reduced price compared to the regular price. "On sale" implies a temporary promotional period, often with specific start and end dates. Both suggest a lower price, but "on sale" emphasizes the limited-time aspect.