In 15 Sekunden
- 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.
Bedeutung
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.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6At a clothing store
Excuse me, is this blue sweater on sale?
Is this blue sweater on sale?
Buying a laptop
I saw a sign outside; is this model on sale?
I saw a sign outside; is this model on sale?
Texting a friend about a bag
OMG, is this on sale? I need it!
Is this on sale?
Kultureller Hintergrund
The US has a massive 'sale' culture. 'Black Friday' (the day after Thanksgiving) is the biggest sale day of the year, where people wait in lines for hours to ask 'Is this on sale?'. In the UK, 'Boxing Day' (December 26th) is the traditional start of the winter sales. British people often say 'Is this in the sale?' using the definite article. Japan has 'Fukubukuro' (Lucky Bags) at New Year. Instead of asking if one item is on sale, people buy a whole bag of mystery items at a huge discount. In traditional souks (markets), almost nothing is 'on sale' because the price is always negotiable. Asking the question might be met with a laugh and an invitation to haggle.
Check the tag
Before asking, look for a red or yellow sticker. If you see one, it's almost certainly on sale!
Final Sale
If the clerk says 'Yes, but it's final sale,' it means you cannot return it later.
In 15 Sekunden
- 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!
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any retail situation. Just remember to use 'is' for one item and 'are' for multiple items.
Check the tag
Before asking, look for a red or yellow sticker. If you see one, it's almost certainly on sale!
Final Sale
If the clerk says 'Yes, but it's final sale,' it means you cannot return it later.
The 'Scan' Trick
If you're shy, many stores have price scanners on the walls. You can check if it's on sale without talking to anyone!
Beispiele
6Excuse me, is this blue sweater on sale?
Is this blue sweater on sale?
A polite way to ask about a specific clothing item.
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.
OMG, is this on sale? I need it!
Is this on sale?
Expressing excitement about a potential bargain.
Pardon me, is this item currently on sale?
Is this item currently on sale?
Slightly more formal for a fancy environment.
Wow, that looks fancy! Is this on sale or are you just rich?
Is this on sale?
Teasing a friend about their spending habits.
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.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the question with the correct preposition.
Excuse me, is this sweater ___ sale?
In English, we always say 'on sale' to mean an item is discounted.
You have three shirts in your hand. Which question is correct?
Which one should you ask the clerk?
Because you have more than one shirt (plural), you must use 'Are' and 'these'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You see a sign that says '50% OFF' but the price tag says '$100'. What do you say?
You are checking if the 50% discount applies to that specific item.
Fill in the missing line.
Customer: 'Is this on sale?' Clerk: 'No, sorry, it's ____ price.'
'Full price' is the opposite of 'on sale'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
On Sale vs. For Sale
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenExcuse me, is this sweater ___ sale?
In English, we always say 'on sale' to mean an item is discounted.
Which one should you ask the clerk?
Because you have more than one shirt (plural), you must use 'Are' and 'these'.
You see a sign that says '50% OFF' but the price tag says '$100'. What do you say?
You are checking if the 50% discount applies to that specific item.
Customer: 'Is this on sale?' Clerk: 'No, sorry, it's ____ price.'
'Full price' is the opposite of 'on sale'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen'On sale' is a temporary discount. 'On clearance' means the store wants to get rid of the item forever and the discount is usually much bigger.
Yes! You can ask 'Is this bread on sale?' if you see a discount sticker on it.
It is always 'on sale' in American English. In British English, you might hear 'in the sale'.
No, it is not rude. Even in expensive stores, items go on sale. It's a normal question.
You can say, 'Excuse me, there's no price on this. Is it on sale?'
No, 'on sale' refers to new items with a lower price. Used items are usually called 'second-hand' or 'pre-owned'.
Usually, for cars, we say 'Is there a promotion?' or 'Is this model discounted?'. 'On sale' sounds a bit small for a car.
Use 'Are these on sale?' while pointing to the group.
It means the whole store is having a massive sale, usually because they are closing down.
Not necessarily. A $1000 watch 'on sale' for $800 is still expensive, but it is cheaper than before.
Verwandte Redewendungen
For sale
contrastAvailable to be bought.
On clearance
specialized formA very deep discount to get rid of old stock.
Marked down
similarThe price has been lowered.
Buy one get one free
builds onA specific type of sale.
