What Does “Bargain on sth” Mean?
“Bargain on sth” means to expect or rely on something happening, often with confidence. It is used when you plan based on a particular outcome.
Introduction
The phrase “bargain on sth” is a useful phrasal verb in English that helps express expectations or assumptions. When you bargain on something, you are depending on it to happen or counting on it. Understanding the “bargain on sth meaning” can help you communicate plans or predictions clearly. This phrase is common in everyday conversation, especially when discussing events, results, or actions you believe will take place. Using it correctly shows a good grasp of subtle English expressions.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: bargain on something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to expect or rely on something happening
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Bargain on sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, so it requires an object after it. The phrase is inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “bargain” and “on.” The correct pattern is:
- bargain on + something
- Example: She bargained on the train arriving on time.
How to Use “Bargain on sth”?
You use “bargain on sth” when you want to say you expect or count on a certain event or fact. It often appears in situations where plans depend on certain conditions. For example, if you plan a picnic but “bargain on” good weather, you are relying on the weather to be fine.
This phrasal verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing hopes, assumptions, or plans.
Examples
- I didn’t bargain on the meeting being canceled at the last minute.
- They bargained on getting the contract, but the other company won.
- We can’t bargain on the train arriving on time every day.
- She bargained on her friends helping her move this weekend.
- He bargained on the project finishing early, but there were delays.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I bargained the rain would stop soon.
Correct: I bargained on the rain stopping soon. - Incorrect: She bargained on to arrive early.
Correct: She bargained on arriving early. - Incorrect: They bargained on it.
Correct: They bargained on success.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “count on,” “rely on,” and “depend on.” While all express expectation, “bargain on sth” often implies a stronger assumption or plan based on that expectation.
- Count on sth: to trust something will happen (more general)
- Rely on sth: to depend on something for support or help
- Bargain on sth: to expect something confidently, often when making plans
Common Collocations
- bargain on success
- bargain on help
- bargain on results
- bargain on time
- bargain on support
- bargain on rain
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bargain on sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you finish the project on time?
Mark: No, I bargained on the software working without problems, but it kept crashing.
Anna: That must have been frustrating!
Mark: Yes, I should have prepared for delays.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
We __________ the weather being sunny for the outdoor event, but it rained all day.
- a) bargained on
- b) bargained for
- c) bargained with
- d) bargained about
FAQs
- Q: Can “bargain on” be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Is “bargain on” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; the object must come after “on.” - Q: What is the difference between “bargain on” and “count on”?
A: “Bargain on” suggests a stronger expectation, often linked to planning. - Q: Can I say “bargain on someone doing something”?
A: Yes, for example, “I bargained on him helping me.” - Q: What level of English is “bargain on sth”?
A: It is typically B2 level (upper-intermediate).
