offer
A2Formal, Informal, and Neutral. Widely used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To present or propose something for someone to accept or refuse.
The act of presenting something for acceptance; a proposal, bid, or contribution; in a commercial context, a special reduced price; in religious terms, a sacrifice or gift to a deity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can denote both the action (verb) and the thing presented (noun). Often implies a degree of willingness and is not a command. The noun form can be concrete (a job offer) or abstract (an offer of help).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling differences in derived forms (offered/offering). In retail contexts, British English commonly uses 'special offer', while American English uses 'on sale' or 'special'. The phrase 'offer up' (to present as a sacrifice) is slightly more common in religious American contexts.
Connotations
Largely identical core connotations. In formal legal/contractual contexts, 'offer' is a precise term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties as a core verb and noun.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
offer + noun (offer help)offer + indirect object + direct object (offer him a job)offer + to-infinitive (offer to help)offer + that-clause (formal: He offered that we could stay.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on offer (available)”
- “offer an olive branch (make peace)”
- “offer one's hand (in marriage)”
- “offer up (sacrifice or present)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a formal proposal, quotation, or job opportunity. 'The company made a takeover offer.' 'Your offer has been accepted.'
Academic
Used to present a theory, interpretation, or explanation. 'The study offers a new perspective on the issue.'
Everyday
Commonly used for help, food/drink, or invitations. 'Can I offer you a cup of tea?' 'She offered to drive me home.'
Technical
In contract law, a clear proposal to enter into a binding agreement, which becomes a contract upon acceptance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- They made a very generous offer on the house.
- The job offer included relocation expenses.
- There's a two-for-one offer on coffee.
American English
- We received an offer from a competing firm.
- His offer of help was much appreciated.
- Check the website for today's special offers.
verb
British English
- The university offers a wide range of courses.
- Shall I offer them some biscuits?
- He offered to fix the leak for free.
American English
- The store is offering a big discount this weekend.
- I offered him my condolences.
- She offered to pick up the kids from practice.
adjective
British English
- The offer price was finally agreed upon.
- We're reviewing the offer document.
American English
- What's the offer deadline?
- The offer letter should arrive tomorrow.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He offered me a sweet.
- They have a good offer for mobile phones.
- Can I offer you some water?
- The company offered him a promotion.
- I'd like to make you an offer.
- She offered to help with the cleaning.
- The government has offered no credible solution to the crisis.
- His offer was conditional on a satisfactory reference.
- The new theory offers a compelling explanation for the phenomenon.
- The diplomat cautiously offered an olive branch to the opposing faction.
- The artist's work offers a profound critique of modern consumerism.
- The defendant's plea offer was rejected by the prosecution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a waiter in a cafe OFFering you a menu - they are presenting it for you to accept.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS SENDING (You offer an idea). POSSESSIONS ARE OBJECTS TO BE TRANSFERRED (offer help).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'offer' as 'предлагать' in every context. In retail, 'special offer' is 'специальное предложение' or 'акция', not just 'предложение'. The noun 'offer' can be 'предложение', but also 'оферта' in legal contexts. Confusion with 'предлагать' vs 'предложить' (aspect) doesn't apply in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'offer' with 'that' clause informally (use 'offer to' or 'say that'). Example: Incorrect: 'He offered that he would pay.' Correct: 'He offered to pay.' or 'He said he would pay.' Confusing 'offer' with 'give' when no choice is implied. 'Offer' implies the receiver can refuse.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'offer' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct and commonly used. 'I offered him a drink' and 'I offered a drink to him' are interchangeable, with the first being slightly more common in speech.
'Offer' is more concrete, often involving giving something tangible or help. 'Suggest' is more about ideas or advice. 'Propose' is more formal than 'suggest' and often implies a plan or intention, like 'propose marriage' or 'propose a motion'.
Yes, especially when referring to a temporary or current action. For example: 'The company is currently offering a signing bonus to new employees.' However, for general truths ('The bank offers loans'), the simple present is typical.
It means 'available' or 'for sale', often at a reduced price. It's very common in British English (e.g., 'What's on offer this week?'), and equivalent to 'on sale' in American English, though 'on offer' is understood.
Collections
Part of a collection
Shopping
A2 · 50 words · Vocabulary for buying and selling goods.