counter offer

USAGE SUMMARY

"counter offer" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in negotiations or business discussions to refer to a response to an initial offer that proposes different terms or conditions. Example: After careful consideration, we are unable to accept your initial offer. However, we would like to propose a counter offer that includes a higher salary and additional benefits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A common mistake is to respond with a counter offer before defusing the other side's anchor.

Harvard University

We do not see a counter offer being made and expect shareholders to accept the offer.

The Guardian - Business

After much inner turmoil, Angelo makes a counter offer: Isabella's chastity for Claudio's life.

The New York Times

His father made a counter offer: get a full scholarship to college, get the Chrysler.

The New York Times

Several people around the counter offer to pay for the guy's coffee.

The Washington Post

We truly expected a counter offer.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

What's more, it's also now offering counter offers.

Huffington Post

Kheir's cheese counter offers a good explanation for their popularity.

The Guardian

The menu on t he kitchen counter offered chicken Georgian, borscht, sturgeon&lox.

The New Yorker

Counter Offers Are Toxic to a Company.

TechCrunch

6. Counter offers make both parties more satisfied.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When responding to an initial offer, always justify your "counter offer" with clear reasoning and supporting data to strengthen your position.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "counter offer" without explaining the rationale behind the revised terms. Transparency builds trust and increases the likelihood of acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "counter offer" primarily functions as a noun, often acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific type of offer made in response to a previous one, seeking to alter the initial terms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "counter offer" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a response to an initial proposal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news, wiki and formal business contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. The phrase functions as a noun and is used to negotiate and seek mutually agreeable terms. To effectively use "counter offer", ensure that you provide clear reasoning for your revised terms. Remember, presenting a "counter offer" is about continuing the conversation and reaching a beneficial agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternative proposal

This phrase is a more formal and general way of referring to a different suggestion or plan, suitable for professional settings.

modified offer

This phrase emphasizes the aspect of changing or adjusting an existing offer, implying a less drastic change than a completely new offer.

return proposal

This suggests a back-and-forth exchange of ideas or terms, indicating reciprocity in the negotiation process.

reciprocal offer

Emphasizes the mutual or give-and-take nature of the negotiation, highlighting the idea of an exchange.

offsetting bid

Implies a strategic move to balance or neutralize an initial bid, often used in competitive scenarios.

revised terms

Focuses specifically on changes to the conditions or stipulations of an agreement.

competing offer

This emphasizes the idea of rivalry or competition between different offers, often in a business or sales context.

opposing offer

This phrase implies a direct contradiction or resistance to the initial offer, suggesting a significant difference in terms.

bargaining chip

Highlights the strategic use of an offer as a tool in negotiation, implying a calculated maneuver.

negotiating point

Focuses on a specific aspect or detail within an offer that is open for discussion and compromise.

FAQs

How do you use "counter offer" in a sentence?

You can use "counter offer" in a sentence like this: "After reviewing their proposal, we decided to submit a "counter offer" with revised payment terms."

What's a good alternative to using the phrase "counter offer"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "alternative proposal", "modified offer", or "return proposal".

What's the difference between a "counter offer" and a negotiation?

A "counter offer" is a specific proposal made in response to an initial offer, while negotiation is the broader process of discussing and bargaining to reach an agreement, which may involve multiple "counter offers".

In what situations is it appropriate to make a "counter offer"?

It's appropriate to make a "counter offer" when you disagree with the initial terms of a proposal but are still interested in reaching an agreement. This is common in salary negotiations, real estate transactions, and business deals.