haggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "haggle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to negotiate a price while shopping or bargaining with someone. For example: "We spent a few hours haggling over the price of the car before we finally agreed on the final amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talks aimed at unlocking desperately needed rescue funds – €7.2bn (£5.3bn) from the last bailout has been held up as both sides haggle over reforms – have been beset by problems since the far-left Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras assumed power in January.

The Guardian

On the more positive side, she brings a style of politics – a willingness to get stuck in and haggle – which could be right for the time.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Karabakh ceasefire agreement was reached in 1994 but the two countries have continued to haggle over peace terms.

The Guardian

But if you want a bargain, haggle hard.

The Guardian - Travel

China was in no position to haggle, as the 2008 Sichuan earthquake had left the country in need of safe places to keep its pandas.Bao Bao should fit in well in Washington: she costs a fortune, has no useful skills and is always on TV.

The Economist

But this could cause panic among depositors in Italy, Spain and other euro countries with troubled banks.Rather than haggle between these two unappealing alternatives, Europe's policymakers should think more boldly.

The Economist

Because the parties clump together in big coalitions that haggle with national governments and the European Commission, ordinary folk do not know how to vote if they want to influence EU laws.

The Economist

The original film, meanwhile, rests in a refrigerated vault in the National Archives, while the Zapruder family and the federal government which wants to buy it—haggle over a price in the millions of dollars.Other evidence of the assassination is proving more elusive.

The Economist

They may be reluctant to haggle with realtors to whom they have social ties.A third theory is that the industry is less competitive than it looks.

The Economist

Your correspondent's grandfather taught him always to haggle.

The Economist

Because it has so many exclusive sports rights, ESPN has been able to haggle its fee up to $5 per subscriber, per month: far higher than any other network's.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "haggle", ensure the context involves a back-and-forth discussion aimed at reaching an agreement, typically on price. It's often used when discussing purchases in markets or informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "haggle" in formal business contexts where a structured negotiation process is expected. "Negotiate" is a more appropriate term in such scenarios, as "haggle" implies a more informal and potentially contentious process.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "haggle" is as a verb, describing the action of bargaining or arguing over the terms of an agreement, particularly the price. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "haggle" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of bargaining or negotiating, particularly over prices in informal settings. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. Its frequent appearance in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, as shown in Ludwig, indicates its widespread acceptance. While "haggle" is generally appropriate, it's essential to consider the formality of the situation, with "negotiate" often preferred in professional environments. Remember, while it's fine to "haggle" at a market, a formal business deal requires a more structured approach. By paying attention to context and register, you can use "haggle" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negotiate

A more formal and general term for discussing terms to reach an agreement.

bargain

Similar to haggle, but can also refer to getting a good deal.

chaffer

An older, less common term for haggling, implying petty bargaining.

wrangle

Suggests a more contentious or complicated negotiation.

dicker

Implies a casual and often informal negotiation.

palter

To equivocate or prevaricate in dealing or bargaining.

deal

A more general term for reaching an agreement, often involving negotiation.

mediate

Involves a third party helping to negotiate.

arbitrate

A more formal method of conflict resolution than simply haggling.

contend

To argue or struggle to gain something; a more forceful approach.

FAQs

How can I use "haggle" in a sentence?

You can use "haggle" to describe the act of bargaining over a price, as in, "Tourists often "haggle" with vendors at the local market."

What is a good synonym for "haggle"?

A good synonym for "haggle" is "bargain", which also implies negotiating the terms of a purchase to reach a favorable agreement.

Is it appropriate to "haggle" in a formal business setting?

While you can negotiate in a formal setting, "haggle" implies a more informal and possibly contentious approach. Use "negotiate" for formal contexts.

What's the difference between "haggle" and "negotiate"?

"Haggle" typically refers to informal, often price-focused bargaining, whereas "negotiate" is a broader term encompassing discussions aimed at reaching any kind of agreement, often in more formal settings.