bargain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'bargain' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an advantageous deal or agreement, especially one made after haggling. For example, "We were able to get a great bargain on the new furniture we purchased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Opinion

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What I couldn't do on my own, however, was to drive a bargain like Yvonne could.

The Guardian - Travel

Those looking for a bargain can snap up some of the smaller amateur pieces for around a few hundred pounds, but pieces from more established artists are at the pricier end of the scale.

The Guardian - Arts

Another unintended consequence is the seeking of bargain work in Asia and eastern Europe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every reporter in that room should have been well aware that during the last stand-off, Boehner and Obama reached an agreement on a "grand bargain" to resolve the crisis.

The Guardian

But Nafta provided little enforcement in those areas, and virtually none on violations of the right to unionize and bargain collectively.

The Guardian

He would rather not be prime minister than make such a bargain, he said.

The Guardian

And it also undermines a lot of the culture, the fabric of life, the sense of self-determination …We made this devil's bargain on rice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Choose a few thinner garments – if you want to add a thermal base layer, the sports giant Decathlon supplies a very good bargain one from its in-house B'Twin range.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ILO published two reports earlier this year calling on Qatar to review the kafala system and allow migrant workers to more easily form unions to bargain for better wages and conditions.

The Guardian

Those who have actually made contributions to society generally end up with the bargain basement honour, the MBE.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chris Beauchamp, market analyst at IG, said: Screens [were] still flashing red across financial markets thanks to growth fears, but bargain hunting has allowed markets to rally off their lows.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the register when using "bargain". While acceptable in most contexts, more formal situations might benefit from terms like "favorable agreement" or "advantageous purchase".

Common error

Avoid using "bargain" excessively in formal writing or professional reports. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "value proposition" or "cost-effective solution" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "bargain" primarily functions as both a noun, referring to an advantageous purchase or agreement, and a verb, meaning to negotiate or haggle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in various contexts, demonstrating its versatility in expressing concepts related to favorable transactions and negotiations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

15%

Business

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Opinion

10%

Sport

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "bargain" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to describe an advantageous deal or the act of negotiating. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, travel, and business. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings might necessitate alternatives like "value proposition" or "negotiated settlement". To ensure clear communication, specifying the context of the "bargain" and avoiding overuse in formal writing are key best practices. Related phrases include "good deal", "advantageous purchase", and "discounted price", offering nuanced alternatives for conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good deal

Focuses on the advantageous aspect of a purchase or agreement.

advantageous purchase

Highlights the benefit gained from the transaction.

favorable agreement

Emphasizes the positive terms of the agreement.

profitable transaction

Stresses the monetary gain involved.

discounted price

Refers specifically to a reduced cost.

special offer

Indicates a limited-time promotional price.

reduced rate

Highlights a lower-than-usual price.

competitive price

Focuses on the price being attractive compared to others.

negotiated settlement

Emphasizes the process of reaching an agreement.

compromise

Implies mutual concessions to reach an agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "bargain" in a sentence?

You can use "bargain" to describe something bought at a low price, like "I found a great bargain on this jacket". It can also refer to an agreement, as in "They struck a bargain to end the dispute".

What can I say instead of "bargain"?

You can use alternatives like "good deal", "advantageous purchase", or "discounted price" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "bargain"?

The word "bargain" is appropriate in most everyday situations when discussing good deals or agreements. However, more formal contexts might require alternatives like "value proposition" or "negotiated settlement".

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

While "bargain" and "deal" are often used interchangeably, a "bargain" typically implies a more significant advantage or lower price than a standard "deal". A "bargain" suggests you're getting something for much less than it's usually worth.