make a bid for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a bid for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is making an offer, either in a context of commerce or of something else. For example: "The company decided to make a bid for the rights to the copyrighted material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will O'Brien make a bid for INM?

The Guardian

Either that, or make a bid for the company.

Independent

By June 1924, two men were in a position to make a bid for the summit.

The Economist

In 2002, he sold the Marlins to make a bid for the Red Sox.

The New Yorker

In only three moments did anxiety in any form make a bid for the surface.

The New Yorker

Some Tajiks would like to see their own man, Mohammed Fahim, make a bid for power.

The Economist

Bits of me are always trying to make a bid for freedom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We quickly started the debate: Should we make a bid for Vanguard?

Harvard Business Review

Make a bid for the library, which is fittingly quieter than other areas.

The New York Times - Food

By 1990 they were ready to make a bid for power.

The Guardian

If they're not keen, maybe we should make a bid for it instead?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a bid for" when you want to express a formal attempt to obtain something, whether it's a business acquisition, a political office, or even a title in a competition. Ensure the context involves a competitive process or a situation where an offer is being made.

Common error

Avoid using "make a bid for" in casual conversations or informal settings where a more relaxed expression would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "I'm making a bid for the last slice of pizza", opt for "I'm going for the last slice of pizza" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a bid for" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of attempting to obtain something, be it a physical object, a position, or an opportunity. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different contexts illustrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a bid for" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of attempting to obtain something, especially in competitive scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various formal and semi-formal contexts. Its usage spans from business acquisitions to political races, highlighting its applicability in situations where a formal offer or attempt is made to secure a desired outcome. While frequently found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Related phrases like "submit an offer for" and "put in a tender for" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submit an offer for

Focuses on the act of formally presenting an offer, emphasizing the procedural aspect.

put in a tender for

Highlights the act of making a formal offer, often in a competitive bidding process.

make an offer on

Emphasizes the act of proposing a price or terms for something.

attempt to acquire

Stresses the intention of gaining possession or control of something.

try to secure

Highlights the effort to obtain or ensure possession of something.

seek to obtain

Focuses on the pursuit of acquiring something, often through formal means.

aim to win

Emphasizes the goal of achieving victory in a competition or negotiation.

compete for

Highlights the act of engaging in a contest to win something.

vie for

Stresses the competitive aspect of striving to obtain something.

pursue the acquisition of

Focuses on the sustained effort to acquire something, often in a business context.

FAQs

How can I use "make a bid for" in a sentence?

You can use "make a bid for" to describe an attempt to win or acquire something. For example, "The company decided to make a bid for the rival corporation" or "Several candidates are expected to make a bid for the presidency".

What are some alternatives to "make a bid for"?

Alternatives include "submit an offer for", "put in a tender for", or "make an offer on", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "make a bid for"?

"Make a bid for" is suitable when discussing formal attempts to acquire something, often in competitive scenarios such as auctions, business acquisitions, or political races.

Is "make a bid for" only used in business contexts?

While frequently used in business, "make a bid for" can also apply to other competitive situations. For instance, someone might make a bid for a sports title or a political position. The key is the presence of competition and a formal attempt to win.