for auction

USAGE SUMMARY

"for auction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe items that are being sold at an auction. Here is an example: "The rare painting was put up for auction and sold for millions of dollars to a private collector."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Handwritten Fitzgerald poetry goes up for auction.

The New Yorker

They rarely come up for auction.

The Economist

Few Titians come up for auction.

The New York Times - Arts

A Wyoming town goes up for auction.

The New York Times

John Lennon's tooth is up for auction.

The New York Times

Neverland's ranch is up for auction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Congress is clearly up for auction.

The New York Times

His government was not up for auction.

The Guardian

Then he put it up for auction.

The New York Times - Arts

The company is up for auction.

The New York Times

A signed copy of "Mein Kampf" is up for auction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for auction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being auctioned and where. Specificity helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for auction" when the item is simply being sold. Auctions imply a bidding process, so ensure this is accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for auction" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate that something is intended or available to be sold through an auction process. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically sound construction, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for auction" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate that an item is being sold through a bidding process. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being auctioned and avoid using it when a simple sale is intended. Consider alternatives like "going under the hammer" or "being auctioned off" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being auctioned off

Highlights the action of auctioning something.

up for sale at auction

More explicit about the method of sale being an auction.

to be auctioned

Indicates a future planned auction.

available at auction

Focuses on the accessibility of the item at an auction.

slated for auction

Highlights that the auction is scheduled.

going under the hammer

Implies a traditional auction setting with a physical gavel.

listed for auction

Suggests the item is cataloged and advertised for auction.

on the auction block

Evokes a visual of items lined up ready for bidding.

in auction

Short form focusing on the state of being in an auction process.

presented at auction

More formal, emphasizing the showing of the item.

FAQs

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

You can use "for auction" to describe items that are being sold through a bidding process. For example, "The historic estate is "up for sale at auction"".

What are some alternatives to saying "for auction"?

Alternatives include "going under the hammer", "being auctioned off", or "available at auction", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'on auction' instead of "for auction"?

While "on auction" might be understood, "for auction" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. Using "for" clarifies the purpose or destination of the item.

What is the difference between "for sale" and "for auction"?

"For sale" indicates that an item is available for purchase at a fixed price or through negotiation, while "for auction" indicates that an item will be sold to the highest bidder.