call for bids

USAGE SUMMARY

"call for bids" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase when inviting different people or groups to bid for a specific project or job. For example, "The city council is calling for bids from qualified contractors to build the new public library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

By early September, HS2 will call for bids from global engineering firms.

Independent

Archives|APPROVES 4 AIR MAIL LINES.; New Will Call for Bids Soon on Routes in West and South.

The New York Times

APPROVES 4 AIR MAIL LINES.; New Will Call for Bids Soon on Routes in West and South.

The New York Times

The value is inside you, and I'm afraid you cannot take that down in a van to the auction rooms and call for bids upon it.

The New Yorker

Bottle-fed!" the auctioneer at the Lolli Brothers Livestock Market announced on a morning in early December, launching into his rat-a-tat call for bids over the loudspeaker.

The New York Times

In late 2011, the city put out a second call for bids, this time for a "high-quality casual restaurant, outdoor cafe and bar" that would have a takeout window and lots of open seating.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The projects selected by the GORE are carried out by a private company selected by a call for bid.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The state, they say, called for bids in June, but set the deadline for applications on Aug. 30.

The New York Times

The 863 Program took much of its shape from the American research system used by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense: the government appointed panels of experts, who drew up research priorities, called for bids, and awarded contracts.

The New Yorker

The stakes of the contest were underscored this week when the Indian defense ministry called for bids to fill an order for 126 fighter jets, a contract that could be worth $10.2 billion.

The New York Times

BEIRUT — I was intrigued to see several recent calls for bids by the U.S. Agency for International Development for programs that would, among other things, train young Arabs how to better use the Internet and other digital technologies for political activism, advocacy, greater transparency and accountability, and other such democratic practices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call for bids", clearly specify the project requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria to ensure that potential bidders can prepare accurate and competitive submissions.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions when you "call for bids". Provide detailed specifications and expected outcomes to prevent misunderstandings and ensure you receive relevant proposals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for bids" functions as a verb phrase that initiates a formal process of seeking offers for a specific project. This means it sets in motion a competitive process where different entities submit their proposals, as Ludwig AI suggests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call for bids" is a commonly used phrase to formally request proposals for projects or services. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable expression with a clear purpose of soliciting competitive offers. Predominantly found in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, the phrase maintains a professional tone and register. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide comprehensive details and specifications. Alternative expressions such as "invite tenders" or "solicit proposals" can be used based on the specific context and desired level of formality. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication in a professional setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invite tenders

This alternative uses a more formal, business-oriented term for inviting submissions.

solicit proposals

Focuses on seeking detailed plans and solutions rather than just prices.

request quotations

Emphasizes the act of asking for price estimates for a specific job.

open up for tender

Highlights the act of making a project or contract available for bidding.

invite offers

A general term for seeking financial commitments or proposals.

issue a tender notice

Focuses on the formal announcement of a bidding opportunity.

seek submissions

A broader term for requesting any type of formal contribution.

put out a request for proposals

Similar to 'solicit proposals' but emphasizes the formal request.

announce bidding opportunity

Emphasizes the announcement aspect of the bidding process.

seek competitive offers

Highlights the intention to obtain the most advantageous offer through competition.

FAQs

How to use "call for bids" in a sentence?

You can use "call for bids" to indicate that an organization is inviting submissions for a specific project. For example, "The government agency will "call for bids" for the construction of the new bridge."

What can I say instead of "call for bids"?

You can use alternatives like "invite tenders", "solicit proposals", or "request quotations" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "call for bids"?

"Call for bids" is typically used when seeking proposals for projects, contracts, or services, particularly in business, government, or construction sectors. It is appropriate when you want to ensure a competitive selection process.

What is the difference between "call for bids" and "invite tenders"?

While both phrases are similar, "call for bids" is more common in the United States, while "invite tenders" is more prevalent in British English and Commonwealth countries. They both refer to the process of requesting submissions for a project or contract.