be bargained upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be bargained upon" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing terms or conditions that are open for negotiation or discussion. Example: "The terms of the contract can be bargained upon, so feel free to suggest any changes."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And phone numbers can be bargained upon".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There can certainly be bargains.

The New York Times

They are bargains.

The New York Times

But there are bargains, and there are Oakland bargains.

The New York Times

Aldi is bargain land.

The Guardian - Business

That means there are bargains.

The New York Times

The wines were bargains.

The New York Times - Food

There were bargains galore.

The New York Times

"There are bargains everywhere".

Forbes

Furthermore it is bargain.

Forbes

But both stocks are bargains.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be bargained upon", ensure the context clearly implies negotiation or discussion as a means of reaching an agreement. Consider whether more common alternatives like "be negotiated" or "be discussed" might provide greater clarity and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "be bargained upon" in contexts where simpler, more direct language would be more appropriate. Overly formal phrasing can make your writing sound unnatural or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be bargained upon" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is subject to negotiation. While grammatically sound, its usage is infrequent, as confirmed by Ludwig, suggesting that more common alternatives may be preferred for clarity and naturalness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be bargained upon" is a grammatically acceptable but rarely used passive construction that indicates something is open for negotiation. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it suggests that more common alternatives like "be negotiated" or "be discussed" may be preferable for improved clarity and flow. Given its infrequent use, careful consideration should be given to context and audience when deciding to employ the phrase, ensuring it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality. When writing, prioritize clarity and conciseness. Ensure that the context implies negotiation. Common errors include awkwardness so lean toward the alternatives provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be negotiated

Emphasizes the act of formal discussion and compromise to reach an agreement.

be discussed

Focuses on the act of talking about something to explore different perspectives.

be agreed upon

Highlights the aspect of reaching a consensus or mutual understanding.

be subject to negotiation

Formally indicates that something is open for bargaining and compromise.

be open to discussion

Suggests a willingness to consider different viewpoints and ideas.

be settled by bargaining

Focuses on the method of bargaining as the means of resolution.

be hammered out

Implies a more intense and potentially difficult negotiation process.

be thrashed out

Suggests a rigorous and thorough discussion to resolve differences.

be subject to collective bargaining

Specifically refers to negotiation between employers and employees.

be compromised upon

Emphasizes the need for both parties to make concessions.

FAQs

What does "be bargained upon" mean?

The phrase "be bargained upon" means that something is open to negotiation or discussion in order to reach an agreement. It implies that the terms or conditions are not fixed and can be altered through bargaining.

What are some alternatives to "be bargained upon"?

Alternatives include "be negotiated", "be discussed", or "be agreed upon". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

How can I use "be bargained upon" in a sentence?

Example: "The terms of the contract can be bargained upon, so feel free to suggest any changes." However, consider whether a more common alternative like "The terms of the contract can be negotiated" would improve clarity.

Is "be bargained upon" formal or informal?

The phrase "be bargained upon" leans towards the formal side, though it is not as commonly used as other alternatives like "be negotiated" or "be discussed". Choose the phrasing that best suits the context and audience.