making an offer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an offer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing proposals, bids, or suggestions in various contexts, such as business negotiations or personal situations. Example: "After careful consideration, we are now making an offer to purchase the property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would you consider making an offer on a foreclosed property?

The New York Times

This didn't stop Mr. Mosco from making an offer.

The New York Times

"We fully anticipated them making an offer," Greenberg said.

The New York Times - Sports

Harcourt General Inc. has decided against making an offer.

The New York Times

But Ms Minogue should think carefully before making an offer.

The Guardian

We didn't even finish the house tour," he said, before making an offer.

The New York Times

Ms. Fontes had to talk her husband into making an offer.

The New York Times

Since making an offer, América Móvil has been slowly increasing its stake.

The New York Times

"Buyers feel they're not appreciated for simply making an offer," Ms. Baldwin said.

The New York Times

They wasted no time making an offer, sold their house, and were ready to move in.

The New York Times

They considered making an offer, but felt they had seen too few houses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making an offer" in a formal context, ensure the offer's terms are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. This includes price, conditions, and deadlines.

Common error

Avoid vagueness when "making an offer". Ambiguous terms can lead to disputes. Specify all relevant details, such as warranties, payment schedules, and acceptance criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an offer" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of presenting a proposal or bid. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a standard English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making an offer" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for presenting a proposal or bid, verified by Ludwig AI. It is most common in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in the terms of the offer. Alternatives include "submitting a bid" and "presenting a proposition", depending on the desired level of formality. The frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitting a bid

Focuses on the formal process of presenting a competitive bid, often in business contexts.

putting forward a proposal

Emphasizes the act of suggesting or introducing a plan for consideration.

extending an invitation

Implies a formal or polite request for someone to participate or accept something.

presenting a proposition

Highlights the formal presentation of an idea or plan for acceptance or rejection.

lodging a tender

Specifically refers to the act of submitting a formal offer, usually in response to a request for tenders.

putting in a request

Highlights the act of formally asking for something.

forwarding a suggestion

Emphasizes the act of passing on an idea for consideration.

submitting an application

Focuses on the act of formally applying for a job, program, or service.

tender a bid

Similar to "submitting a bid", but with a slightly more formal or archaic tone.

table a motion

Refers to the act of formally presenting a proposal for debate and vote in a meeting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "making an offer" in a business context?

In a business setting, consider using phrases like "submitting a bid", "presenting a proposition", or "extending a proposal" to convey a formal tone.

Is there a more informal way to say "making an offer"?

Informally, you might say "putting something on the table" or "throwing an idea out there", depending on the specific situation. These alternatives are less direct than "making an offer".

When is it appropriate to use "tender a bid" instead of "making an offer"?

Use "tender a bid" in formal settings where you are responding to a specific request for proposals. It's more specific and formal than simply "making an offer".

What's the difference between "making an offer" and "making a suggestion"?

"Making an offer" implies a concrete proposal with specific terms, often involving a transaction or agreement. "Making a suggestion" is a more general term for putting forward an idea for consideration, without necessarily implying commitment or obligation.