Sell vs. Sale

Since these two words look so much alike, English language learners often confuse them. However, If you come with me, you'll learn everything about them.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both are related to exchanging something with money. However, 'sale' only functions as a noun, whereas, 'sell' can be both a noun and a verb. Also, remember that 'sell' as a noun has a close meaning to 'sale'. Additionally, 'sale' refers to getting something for a lower price, while, 'sell' is mainly about the act of exchanging something for money.

Differences

As mentioned above, their grammatical functions are different. 'Sell' can be both a noun and a verb, whereas, 'sale' is always a noun. 'Sale' is commonly used with prepositions like 'on' and 'for'. Their difference in meaning is that 'sale' refers to buying something at a lower price, whereas 'sell' is mainly about getting something in exchange for money. Check out the examples below:

I heard it with my own ears. It's on sale.

The company has decided to sell these machines for good.

Similarities

Both are related to the act of buying products. Additionally, they can both function as nouns. Look at the examples below:

We reached a deserted house with a sign hanging from the door. It read: 'For sale'.

Not everyone can sell different products to other people.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they are both related to the act of exchanging something for money, they cannot be used interchangeably because they differ slightly in meaning and they have different grammatical functions. Compare:

✓ Did you say the car was for sale?

X Did you say the car was for sell?

As you can see, this one is inaccurate.

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