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Sale vs Sell – Know the Correct Time to Use Those Two Words

by Barsha Bhattacharya

The sale vs sell debate has been going on for the longest time. But, have you ever wondered which one is the correct usage? Is it ‘sale’ or ‘sell’? If you are feeling a little confused about the same, it is fine because we have felt just the same, and that too so many times! But moreover, it is better to say what’s accurate than to say what’s grammatically correct. 

So without wasting any further time, let’s dive straight into the intricacies of ‘sale’ and ‘sell’ – let’s end this debate once and for all? But if the truth is spoken, the English language is a little strange, and the best way to navigate through the same can turn out to be a little confusing from time to time.

But that’s fine as long as you know what’s the right way to communicate in the language! So keep reading to find out more on the same. 

Sale Vs Sell: The Confusion That Is The English Language Or Is It Inside Our Heads?

English Language

Recently there was so much sale vs sell meme content out there that it made us wonder about this confusion – is it inside our heads, or is it in the English language? For starters, we can clear the confusion with an insight into which word means what – it does seem like the only logical way of clearing the confusion and ending the debate forever.

Sale: Definition And Examples

Definition And Examples

Instead of launching another sell vs sale definition debate, let’s just check out how both the words are used in the English language. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word ‘sale’ as,

“ the act of selling: transfer of ownership of and title to property from one person to another for a price.” 

This technically means that the word ‘sale’ is used as a noun, although the meaning is similar to ‘sell’. So let’s check out a few examples of how the word can be incorporated into sentences.

➵ Shawn made a big profit from the sale of his paternal house.
➵ All the brands are having a Summer Sale this year!
➵ She works in sales. 
➵ My department is reasonable for all the marketing and sales. 
➵ The company had a great year in terms of sales. 

The above-mentioned sentences are all examples of how the word ‘sale’ can be incorporated into any sentence and the like. 

Sell: Definition And Examples

Sell Definition

Instead of debating over sale vs sell examples, let’s just check out the definition of the word ‘sell’ and a few examples to understand the difference clearly. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word ‘sell’ as,

“to achieve a sale of to deliver or give up in violation of duty, trust, or loyalty and especially for personal gain.”

This indicates that the word ‘sell’ is often used as a verb, even though the meaning is similar to the word ‘sale.’ So let’s check out how the word can be used for writing different sentences.

➵ Will you sell me some potatoes at a lower price? 
➵ I sell clothes for a living. 
➵ He sold his house and invested all the money into his startup.
➵ Mathew sold his car because he wasn’t able to afford the same. 
➵ Are you planning to sell your drums? 

The above-mentioned sentences are all instances of how the word ‘sell’ can be used in sentences. All you need to do is understand whether you are using a verb or a noun – no chance for the entire sale vs sell debate to even start. 

The Sale Vs Sell Debate Is Redundant!

 Sale Vs Sell Debate

The whole sell vs. sale debate is redundant when you think about it, just like the whole woman vs women debate. Moreover, it is only natural that you will wonder when to use which word. But if it’s clear inside your head that one is a noun and the other is a verb, you will find yourself not making such mistakes anymore. 

So instead of typing ‘when to use sell vs sale,’ understand the difference is not in terms of meaning but in terms of figures of speech and the like – the faster you understand, the better for you because who wants to be grammatically incorrect, especially if you are trying to make an impression!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. What Is The Difference Between Sales And Sell?

The meaning of both ‘sale’ and ‘sell’ is the same. Both the words indicate exchange or barter of either goods or services in return for the money that’s of equivalent value. The difference is in the parts of speeches. While ‘sell’ is the verb form for referring to the whole act of purchasing specific services or even goods, ‘sale’ is the noun form. 

2. Did You Sell Or Sale Your House?

Since ‘sell’ is a verb and ‘sale’ is a noun, for anything to do with selling your house, it will naturally be the verb form. For example, ‘he sells,’ ‘she sold,’ and the like. The word‘ sale’ is a noun and, as such, is used for indicating ‘the sale you were planning to visit and the like. 

3. Is It Sell Price Or Sale Price?

Although both ‘sale price’ and ‘sell price’ are technically terms that are interchangeable yet, both have certain specific functions. While ‘sale price’ is usually applied for items with a price that’s lower than the actual price, especially during a sale, the term ‘sell price’ is again applied for the normal, ordinary price of any item. 

4. What Is The Difference Between Sales And Selling Price?

While the word ‘sales’ refer to the price or the amount of money exchanged between a seller and a buyer in exchange for any service or product, the word ‘selling price’ refers to the price at which any item on the inventory is basically sold at. 

Time For A Grammatical Pause!

The sale vs sell debate, like the whole ‘has vs have’ debate, has been going on for way too long, and there’s nothing you can do about the same. The English language is a strange language, and the only way to figure it out is when you put it into practical use. Every language has a set of rules, but are these sets of rules always stringently followed? 

We don’t think so! Language evolves with time, and the faster you understand, the better for you! Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below your thoughts on the same. 

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