SELL FOR

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'sell for' refers to the act of exchanging an item for a particular price. It is often used when discussing the value or price at which products, artworks, or goods are sold.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'sell for' refers to the act of exchanging an item for a particular price. It is often used when discussing the value or price at which products, artworks, or goods are sold.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb cannot be split.
Register
Neutral
It is commonly used in both spoken and written forms.
Transitive
Yes
The verb requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple sell for The antique vase can sell for hundreds.
Past Simple sold for The painting sold for a record price last year.
Present Continuous selling for Her artworks are currently selling for high amounts.
Present Perfect have sold for Items from her collection have sold for millions.

💡 When to Use

Pricing discussions
When determining or discussing the set price or cost of an item or service being offered to buyers.
Example: "The sculpture will sell for a hefty sum at auction."
Business transactions
To highlight the exchange of monetary value in commercial deals or market settings.
Example: "The lot could sell for more if listed internationally."
Art auctions
Useful in art and collectible markets to describe the potential or actual selling price of works.
Example: "Her painting might sell for a new record price."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Improper tense
❌ Wrong: The item is sell for a high price.
✅ Correct: The item sells for a high price.
💡 Tip: Use the correct verb tense to match the subject.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: This painting will sell for.
✅ Correct: This painting will sell for a substantial sum.
💡 Tip: Always include the object or amount it sells for.
Incorrect separation
❌ Wrong: Sell the painting for much more.
✅ Correct: The painting will sell for much more.
💡 Tip: Do not split the phrasal verb.
Practice

SELL FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

fetch be valued at

Antonyms

buy for

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The antique chair was expected to ___ a high price at auction."

buy for
sell for
give for
take for

"True wisdom emerges when desires are not sold for fleeting gains but are nurtured for lasting fulfillment and harmony."

In Context

In the late 19th century, the art market in Paris was booming, a time when paintings could sell for a small fortune. One of the artists aiming to take advantage of this trend was a relatively unknown painter, Claude Monet. Struggling to make ends meet, Monet often pondered how his work could sell for more in an ever-crowded market. Impressionist art was not yet in demand, making it hard for Monet's unique style to appeal to traditional buyers. Despite these challenges, Monet continued to attend exhibitions and network with influential art dealers and critics. His breakthrough came when his painting, 'Impression, Sunrise,' was showcased in a revolutionary exhibition in 1874. Though initially criticized, it caught the attention of critics who used the painting's title to describe the entire movement: Impressionism. As Monet's reputation grew, his paintings began to sell for significant amounts, allowing him to purchase a house in Giverny where he could create in tranquility. Over time, Monet's works came to symbolize the Impressionist movement and were in high demand, leading them to sell for unprecedented sums at auctions worldwide. Monet's story is a testament to perseverance and conviction, proving that passion and innovation can eventually win over financial hurdles and traditional boundaries.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Sell For

What is the origin of 'sell for'?

+
The phrase 'sell for' originates from the Old English word 'sellan,' meaning 'to give or hand over something in exchange for money.' It evolved to include the quantifiable aspect of transactions, particularly focusing on the value at which something is sold.

Can 'sell for' be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Sell for' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it might refer to business transactions, while in informal contexts, it applies to everyday buying or selling discussions.

What is the difference between 'sell for' and 'fetch'?

+
'Sell for' directly relates to the price at which an item is exchanged. 'Fetch' implies the potential price obtainable for an item. 'Sell for' is more transactional, while 'fetch' often suggests the item's market appeal.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

rule outrun up againstsee asset offsettle down
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



0%
Scroll to Top