Sell vs Sale

Vocabulary Exercise with Sell and Sale

What Does "Sell" Mean?

"Sell" is a verb. It refers to the action of exchanging goods or services for money. When you sell something, you are giving it to someone in return for money.

➡️ Examples:

• I want to sell my old phone. (The act of giving your phone to someone for money.)

• They sell fresh vegetables at the market. (They offer vegetables in exchange for money.)

• She sold her car last week. (Past tense of "sell"—she completed the transaction.)

What Does "Sale" Mean?

"Sale" is a noun. It refers to the event or act of selling something, or a discounted price on items. A sale can describe the transaction itself or an occasion when items are being offered at lower prices.

➡️ Examples:

• The store is having a sale on shoes. (Discount event or promotion.)

• There was a sale of art at the gallery. (An event where art was sold.)

• They made three sales today. (Referring to the number of transactions or items sold.)

Key Differences Between "Sell" and "Sale"

How to Remember the Difference

• "Sell" is an action (verb)—you’re doing something, like selling a product.
  
  Tip: Think of the "ll" in "sell" as an action, like standing and doing something.

• "Sale" is an event or thing (noun)—it refers to the transaction or a promotional event.
  
  Tip: Think of "sale" as something that happens (like a special event).

Common Errors

1. Using "sell" instead of "sale" for a discount event:

• Incorrect: The store is having a sell.

• Correct: The store is having a sale.

2. Using "sale" instead of "sell" for an action:

• Incorrect: I want to sale my bike.

• Correct: I want to sell my bike.

3. Confusing "for sale" with "for sell":

• Incorrect: The house is for sell.

• Correct: The house is for sale.

Everyday Use

• Use "sell" when talking about the act of exchanging something for money:
  
  ➡️ Example: I’m going to sell my old computer.

• Use "sale" when referring to the event or the transaction:
  
  ➡️ Example: I got these shoes at a sale last weekend.

FAQ

Can "sell" be a noun?

No, "sell" is always a verb. If you need a noun, use "sale."

Is "sale" a verb?

No, "sale" is a noun. The action of selling is expressed with the verb "sell."

What does "for sale" mean?

"For sale" means that something is available to be bought.

➡️ Example: The car is for sale.

How do I use "sell" in the past tense?

The past tense of "sell" is "sold."

➡️ Example: I sold my old phone yesterday.

What is the difference between "on sale" and "for sale"?

• "On sale" means that something is available at a discounted price.
  
  ➡️ Example: These shoes are on sale for 50% off.

• "For sale" means that something is available to be purchased (it doesn't necessarily mean it's discounted).
  
  ➡️ Example: The house is for sale.