for a song

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a song" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means at a very low cost or for a very affordable price. You can use it when discussing a purchase or acquisition that was inexpensive or a great deal. Example: "I was able to buy this antique vase for a song at the flea market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Favoured companies bought permits for a song.

The Economist

How's that for a song of experience?

The New Yorker

It's not an idea for a song.

The New Yorker

Sounds like the cue for a song.

The Guardian - Music

But, he says, "I'm saving it for a song".

The New York Times - Arts

Not too shabby for a song first released in 1994.

Independent

"'The Balance Company' is an odd concept for a song.

Independent

… I had been waiting for a song like this".

The New York Times

A Vietnam veteran asks for a song in Vietnamese.

The New York Times

This time around, the collection went for a song.

The New Yorker

I bought it for a song, without looking inside.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a song" to add color to your writing when describing purchases or acquisitions that were exceptionally inexpensive, making it more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "for a song" in formal or business contexts where precise financial language is required; it's best suited for informal writing or conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a song" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which something was obtained, specifically that it was acquired at a very low cost. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a song" is a common and acceptable way to describe acquiring something at a very low price. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's best suited for informal contexts. As evidenced by numerous examples from news outlets like The New York Times and The Economist, it's frequently used in media to add color when discussing inexpensive acquisitions. When formality is paramount, consider more precise alternatives like "at a reduced cost". However, in casual settings, "for a song" is a vivid and effective way to convey a bargain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a bargain price

Focuses on the advantageous price obtained, emphasizing the deal's attractiveness.

dirt cheap

Emphasizes the extremely low price, often suggesting a cost that is surprisingly inexpensive.

at a giveaway price

Highlights that the item was sold for very little, almost like it was being given away.

at rock-bottom prices

Indicates the lowest possible price, suggesting a sale where prices have been dramatically reduced.

for next to nothing

Implies the cost was minimal or practically free.

on the cheap

Indicates that something was acquired or done with minimal expense.

at a knockdown price

Suggests a significant reduction in price, often used in the context of sales or auctions.

at a reduced rate

Focuses on a lower cost compared to the standard price, emphasizing the discount.

at clearance prices

Specifically refers to items being sold off to clear inventory, indicating low prices.

for a pittance

Implies the item was obtained for a very small amount of money, often suggesting it was worth much more.

FAQs

What does it mean to buy something "for a song"?

Buying something "for a song" means you acquired it at a very low price, often a bargain or a great deal. It implies that the item was purchased cheaply.

How can I use "for a song" in a sentence?

You might say, "I bought this vintage guitar "for a song" at a garage sale" or "The company acquired the land "for a song" during the recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "for a song"?

Alternatives include "at a bargain price", "dirt cheap", or "for next to nothing", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "for a song" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for a song" is generally considered informal. It's more suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing than official reports or academic papers. Consider alternatives like "at a reduced cost" in formal settings.