make an offer

USAGE SUMMARY

"make an offer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when describing a negotiation or exchange of goods/money. For example: "We decided to make an offer on the house we liked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So make an offer.

The New York Times

But we didn't make an offer.

The New York Times - Sports

We decided to make an offer.

The New York Times

Well just make an offer.

The Guardian - Travel

(Make an offer, Six Flags).

The New York Times

But if you are going to make an offer, make an offer.

Independent

He did not make an offer.

The New York Times

You can make an offer for anybody.

The Guardian - Sport

We do plan to make an offer".

The New York Times

United, the first to make an offer, won the signatures.

The New York Times - Sports

United's only option now is to make an offer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating, research comparable values before you "make an offer" to ensure it is competitive and reasonable.

Common error

Don't assume that just because you "make an offer", it will be accepted. Be prepared for counter-offers and negotiations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an offer" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It's used to describe the act of presenting a proposal, bid, or suggestion, often in the context of negotiations or transactions. As Ludwig indicates, this is a very common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make an offer" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of proposing a deal, bid, or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and business settings. When writing, remember to research comparable values before you "make an offer" and be prepared for negotiation. While commonly used, it's best to avoid non-idiomatic variations such as "do an offer". As Ludwig shows, authoritative sources frequently employ the phrase, solidifying its place in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propose a deal

Replaces "offer" with "deal", emphasizing an agreement or transaction.

submit a proposal

Replaces "offer" with "proposal", emphasizing a formal suggestion or plan.

put forward a bid

Uses "bid" instead of "offer", common in auctions or competitive situations.

extend an invitation

Emphasizes the inviting aspect of an offer, typically used in social contexts or negotiations.

present a tender

Replaces "offer" with "tender", suggesting a formal written offer, often in business.

issue a quotation

Uses "quotation" instead of "offer", common in commercial settings to provide a price estimate.

table a motion

Implies formally presenting an offer or suggestion for consideration, especially in meetings.

lodge a claim

Substitutes "offer" with "claim", which suggests a formal request or demand, often for compensation.

float an idea

Uses "idea" instead of "offer", suggesting a tentative suggestion or concept.

tender an application

Swaps "offer" for "application", focusing on submitting a formal request for something.

FAQs

How to use "make an offer" in a sentence?

"Make an offer" is used to express the act of proposing a price or terms, such as, "We decided to "submit a proposal" on the property we liked."

What can I say instead of "make an offer"?

You can use alternatives like "put forward a bid", "propose a deal", or "extend an invitation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "make an offer" or "do an offer"?

"Make an offer" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Do an offer" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "make an offer" and "receive an offer"?

"Make an offer" means to propose something to someone, while "receive an offer" means to be the recipient of a proposal from someone else.