for a steal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a steal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is obtained at a very low price or a great deal. Example: "I found this designer handbag at the thrift store for a steal, only costing me twenty dollars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I am looking for a steal".

The New York Times

"Dad bought this place 15 years ago for a steal.

The Guardian - Film

Experimental "emerging wines" can be had for a steal too.

The Guardian - Travel

No foul was called on the play, with Love credited for a steal.

The New York Times

This has authentic som tam (green papaya salad) and satay for a steal.

The Guardian - Travel

If people compliment your nice dress, you can proudly boast that you got it for a steal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It seemed an awful lot of effort for a stolen BMW".

The Guardian

A tennis ball for a stolen sheep, for God's sake!

The Guardian - Books

Here, she is improbably caught up in the search for a stolen diamond, though not just any diamond.

The New York Times

Many policies pay up to $2,500 for a stolen item, regardless of how expensive it may be.

The New York Times

Italian police are hunting for a stolen holy relic that contains the blood of Pope John Paul II.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing marketing copy, pair "for a steal" with strong verbs like 'snag', 'grab', or 'discover' to enhance the sense of opportunity and excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "for a steal" when the low price indicates compromised quality. The phrase implies a fortunate bargain, not a cheap imitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a steal" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing how something was obtained. It suggests that the acquisition occurred at a significantly reduced cost, making it a bargain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a steal" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that describes acquiring something at a remarkably low price. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While leaning towards informal, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of excitement about obtaining a bargain. To enhance your writing, use "for a steal" when emphasizing value and opportunity. When a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "at a bargain price" or "at a significantly reduced cost" can be more suitable. Be mindful of implying value rather than compromised quality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a bargain price

Focuses specifically on the reduced price being the key element.

at a giveaway price

Implies an extremely low price, almost negligibly so.

dirt cheap

Informal expression emphasizing the low cost.

for next to nothing

Emphasizes the minimal cost involved.

at a fraction of the cost

Highlights the considerable discount relative to the original price.

on the cheap

Suggests getting something in an economical way, which may or may not be related to the original value.

at a reduced rate

Implies a formal discount or special offer.

for a song

Idiomatic expression that focuses on the ease of acquisition, more than an extremely low price.

in a clearance sale

Specifies the context of a clearance event for low prices.

at a discount

Simply points out that a discount was applied.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a steal" to describe obtaining something at a very low price. For example, "I bought this vintage dress "for a steal" at the flea market."

What's a more formal way to say "for a steal"?

If you need a more formal alternative to "for a steal", consider using phrases like "at a bargain price" or "at a significantly reduced cost".

Is it appropriate to use "for a steal" in professional writing?

While "for a steal" is widely understood, it leans towards informal. For professional writing, "at a discounted price" or "at a favorable rate" might be more suitable.

What does "for a steal" imply about the quality of the item?

"For a steal" implies that the item is of good quality despite its low price. If the quality is poor, a different phrase would be more appropriate.