A2 Expression Neutral 2 min de lectura

Is this on sale?

Sale inquiry

Use this phrase in any shop to confirm if an item's price has been reduced.

En 15 segundos

  • Ask this to check if an item has a discount.
  • Use it in retail stores with staff members.
  • Perfect for confirming a price before you pay.

Significado

You use this phrase to ask if an item has a lower price than usual. It is the perfect way to check if you are getting a discount.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

At a clothing store

Excuse me, is this blue sweater on sale?

Is this blue sweater on sale?

🤝
2

Buying a laptop

I saw a sign outside; is this model on sale?

I saw a sign outside; is this model on sale?

💼
3

Texting a friend about a bag

OMG, is this on sale? I need it!

Is this on sale?

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

In many English-speaking cultures, 'Black Friday' and 'Boxing Day' are the biggest days to use this phrase. Retailers often use 'psychological pricing' where items are almost always 'on sale' to create a sense of urgency. Interestingly, in the UK, a 'sale' usually refers to a specific seasonal event, while in the US, it can happen any time.

💡

Look for the Red

In most English-speaking countries, sale signs are almost always red. If you see red, it's the perfect time to ask!

⚠️

Sale vs. For Sale

Don't confuse `on sale` (discounted) with `for sale` (available to buy). Everything in a shop is `for sale`, but not everything is `on sale`!

En 15 segundos

  • Ask this to check if an item has a discount.
  • Use it in retail stores with staff members.
  • Perfect for confirming a price before you pay.

What It Means

This phrase is your best friend at the mall. It asks if a specific item is currently discounted. You are looking for a lower price than the one on the tag. It is a simple, direct question for any shop employee.

How To Use It

Walk up to a staff member while holding the item. Point to the product or the price tag. Say the phrase with a rising tone at the end. It is a very short and powerful sentence. You do not need complex grammar here. Just Is this on sale? does the job perfectly.

When To Use It

You can use this in big department stores. Use it at small local boutiques or even grocery stores. It is great when you see a red sticker but no price. Use it when an item is near a 50% off sign. It helps you avoid surprises at the cash register. Nobody likes a price shock at the front of the line!

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this at a flea market or garage sale. In those places, you usually negotiate or haggle instead. Avoid using it in high-end luxury stores where prices never change. Do not ask this at a restaurant for your meal. They use the word specials for food deals instead. Asking for a discount on a steak might feel a bit awkward!

Cultural Background

Americans and British people love a good bargain. Finding a deal is like a national sport. Many stores have permanent sale sections at the back. Some people feel shy asking about prices. However, it is very common and expected in retail culture. It shows you are a smart and careful shopper.

Common Variations

You might hear Is this marked down? in some shops. Friends might ask Is there a discount on this? too. If you are buying many things, try Are these on sale? for plurals. If a sale ended yesterday, you can ask Can I still get the sale price? It never hurts to ask nicely!

Notas de uso

This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any retail situation. Just remember to use 'is' for one item and 'are' for multiple items.

💡

Look for the Red

In most English-speaking countries, sale signs are almost always red. If you see red, it's the perfect time to ask!

⚠️

Sale vs. For Sale

Don't confuse `on sale` (discounted) with `for sale` (available to buy). Everything in a shop is `for sale`, but not everything is `on sale`!

💬

The 'Price Match' Secret

Many big stores will give you the sale price of a competitor if you show them an ad on your phone. Just ask: `Do you price match?`

Ejemplos

6
#1 At a clothing store
🤝

Excuse me, is this blue sweater on sale?

Is this blue sweater on sale?

A polite way to ask about a specific clothing item.

#2 Buying a laptop
💼

I saw a sign outside; is this model on sale?

I saw a sign outside; is this model on sale?

Using external information to verify a discount.

#3 Texting a friend about a bag
😊

OMG, is this on sale? I need it!

Is this on sale?

Expressing excitement about a potential bargain.

#4 At a high-end boutique
👔

Pardon me, is this item currently on sale?

Is this item currently on sale?

Slightly more formal for a fancy environment.

#5 Joking with a friend holding an expensive coffee
😄

Wow, that looks fancy! Is this on sale or are you just rich?

Is this on sale?

Teasing a friend about their spending habits.

#6 Buying a gift for a partner
💭

I really want to get her this, is this on sale by any chance?

Is this on sale?

Showing hopefulness while shopping for a loved one.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct word to complete the question about a pair of shoes.

Are these shoes ___ sale?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: on

In English, we always use the preposition `on` with the word `sale` to indicate a discount.

You are holding one hat. Which question is correct?

___ this on sale?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Is

Since 'this' refers to a single item (the hat), we use the singular verb `is`.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Is this on sale?'

Informal

Used with friends while browsing.

On sale?

Neutral

Standard way to ask a clerk.

Is this on sale?

Formal

Polite inquiry in a luxury shop.

Could you tell me if this is on sale?

Where to use 'Is this on sale?'

Shopping
👕

Department Store

Checking a rack of shirts.

📺

Electronics Shop

Asking about a TV.

🍎

Grocery Store

Checking a bulk item.

💻

Online Chat

Asking customer support.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means the price is lower than the original price. For example, a $50 shirt might be on sale for $30.

Yes, you can use it for packaged goods at a grocery store. For restaurant food, it is better to ask about specials.

Not at all! It is a very normal question in retail. Shop assistants hear it dozens of times every day.

You should change the phrase to Are these on sale?. Use these and are for plural items like shoes or multiple shirts.

No, clearance usually means the store is trying to get rid of the item forever. Clearance prices are often even lower than regular sale prices.

You can ask, Will this be going on sale soon? This is a great way to save money if you can wait a week.

The opposite is full price or regular price. You might hear a clerk say, 'No, that is full price.'

Yes, it works fine in a casual email to a shop. For example: I saw the boots online, are they on sale in-store?

It means you cannot return the item after you buy it. Be careful when you see this sign!

It is always more polite to start with Excuse me. It gets the staff member's attention nicely.

Frases relacionadas

Is there a discount?

Asking if any price reduction is possible.

What's the best price you can do?

A common way to haggle or negotiate in less formal markets.

Is this marked down?

Asking if the price has been lowered from the original.

Buy one get one free

A specific type of sale often called BOGO.

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