Grammar Punk Blog

Sell, Sale, Sail

You know how I love triples. This might seem like an easy one but the sale and sell pair can be tricky.

Sell: (transitive and intransitive verb) to exchange a product or service for money, or be exchanged for money

Not to be confused (though often is) with:

Sale: (noun) the transfer of something to the ownership or use of somebody else, or the provision of something, e.g. a service, in exchange for an agreed amount of money.

So one is the activity or process, the other is the name this activity or process is given.

And let’s not forget, sail which is not as innocuous as it might appear.

Sail can mean: a large piece of strong fabric, usually triangular or rectangular in shape, fixed by rigging, masts, and booms to catch the wind and propel a vessel forward

Or

Sail: a trip in a boat or ship, especially a sailing vessel

Or

Sail: the sails of a boat or ship considered collectively

Pretty busy for a simple monosyllabic pair trio of words, huh?

Holding her head high, Natasha sailed the boat into the harbor; so what if she arrived a day late?

My favorite aunt, Mimi always says: you’ve a lot in your favor, don’t sell yourself short.

Preferring the label “cheap” to “frugal”, Simon never misses the bargains at the after-Christmas sales.

And speaking of sales, Grammar Punk is having a HUGE getting ready for Summer (School) Sale! Receive 30% off your entire order! Grammar Punk is the perfect vehicle for the teaching of grammar, punctuation, and writing skills. Best of all, Grammar Punk is fun—and Summer School isn’t—until you pull out dice and cards and students feel like they’re playing a game—as they learn!