on special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on special" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to items that are being offered at a reduced price or with a special promotion. For example, "The shoes are on special this week." Alternative expressions include "on sale" and "at a discount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Television stars are putting on special shows.

The Economist

It's on special today.

The New York Times

I played on special teams.

The New York Times - Sports

Working on special projects?

The Guardian

I only wear them on special occasions".

The New Yorker

Now Dolphina performs only on special occasions.

The New York Times

"I only bought things on special offer.

The Guardian - Money

"Now it is only on special occasions".

The Economist

She works on special events.

The New York Times

($5 a pair, on special).

The New York Times

Only buy on special offer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on special" to indicate a temporary price reduction or promotional offer, especially in retail or service contexts. For example, "The coffee is "on special" this week for $2 a cup."

Common error

Avoid using "on special" to describe permanent characteristics or fixed attributes. This phrase is meant to highlight a limited-time offer or arrangement, not an inherent quality. Instead of saying "This car is "on special"", consider "This car has special features" if you're referring to its unique attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on special" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that something is offered at a reduced price or under particular conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on special" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a product or service is being offered at a reduced price or as part of a promotion. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent usage in contexts such as news media, retail and general discussions. While versatile, it is best suited for informal and commercial settings. To maintain clarity and accuracy, consider using more formal alternatives like "discounted" or "promotional offer" in professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a reduced price

Focuses specifically on the monetary aspect of a discount.

at a discount

Similar to "at a reduced price", but more general.

for sale

Indicates availability for purchase, potentially at a lower price.

on offer

Implies an available deal or promotion.

specially priced

Highlights the special pricing arrangement.

uniquely

Emphasizes distinctiveness of something.

particularly

Indicates specific emphasis on something.

uncommon

Highlights the rarity of event.

for the occasion

Focuses on the suitability for a specific event or circumstance.

designated

Highlights that something is specially picked.

FAQs

What does "on special" mean?

The phrase "on special" typically means that an item or service is being offered at a reduced price or with some other form of promotion. It is commonly used in retail to attract customers.

How can I use "on special" in a sentence?

You might say, "The soup of the day is "on special" for $5", or "These shoes are "on special" this week only".

What is a synonym for "on special"?

Alternatives include "at a reduced price", "at a discount", or "on sale".

Is it appropriate to use "on special" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "on special" is generally more suitable for informal or commercial contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "discounted" or "promotional offer".