bargain for

USAGE SUMMARY

'bargain for' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe negotiating or attempting to negotiate a deal or agreement between two parties for something of value. For example: The landlord was able to bargain for a lower rent on the apartment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not a bargain for everyone," Mr. Snider said, "but it's a bargain for me".

The New York Times

And quite a bargain for us.

The New York Times - Travel

"We will not bargain for safety.

The New York Times - Sports

Seems a bargain for The Enquirer.

The New York Times - Magazine

That would be a foolish bargain for both of them.

The New York Times

Is that a difficult bargain for some writers to make?

The New York Times

And that's a grand bargain for both of them.

The New York Times

But they have made a bargain for success.

The New York Times

I bargain for the basics: health, love, hope.

The New York Times

He prefers to bargain for love, not bask in it.

The New Yorker

They are still a relative bargain for collectors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bargain for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negotiated. For instance, "They tried to bargain for a lower price" provides more clarity than simply saying, "They bargained."

Common error

Avoid using "bargain for" in contexts where a formal agreement or contract is expected. Use "negotiate" instead. "Bargain for" suggests a less formal, often price-focused, negotiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bargain for" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, where 'bargain' is the verb and 'for' is a preposition that together create a specific meaning – to negotiate the terms of an agreement, often related to price or exchange. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bargain for" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of negotiating or haggling, frequently concerning price. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression in English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a generally neutral register, leaning towards informal based on specific scenarios. While alternatives like "negotiate for" and "haggle for" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. It's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of negotiation to avoid ambiguity. Steer clear of using "bargain for" in situations demanding a formal contract; "negotiate" is more appropriate in such instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negotiate for

Focuses more explicitly on the negotiation aspect.

haggle for

Implies a more intense or persistent negotiation.

trade for

Highlights the exchange aspect of the bargain.

seek to obtain

More formal; emphasizes the desire to acquire something.

try to secure

Focuses on the effort to ensure acquisition.

pursue a deal

Emphasizes the active effort to achieve a favorable agreement.

aim to get

Informal; conveys the intention to acquire.

work towards an agreement

Highlights the collaborative aspect of reaching a deal.

look for a discount

Specifically targets price reduction.

try to get a better price

Focuses on achieving a lower cost.

FAQs

How to use "bargain for" in a sentence?

"Bargain for" is used to describe the act of negotiating or haggling over something. For example, "The customer tried to bargain for a lower price on the car."

What can I say instead of "bargain for"?

You can use alternatives like "negotiate for", "haggle for", or "trade for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bargain for" or "bargain"?

Both "bargain for" and "bargain" can be correct, but they have different meanings. "Bargain for" means to negotiate, while "bargain" as a verb can mean to negotiate or as a noun it refers to a good deal.

What's the difference between "bargain for" and "negotiate"?

"Bargain for" often implies a less formal, more price-focused negotiation, while "negotiate" is a more general term for discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.